William Joseph Elliott

William Joseph (Bill) Elliott, 72, of Monroe City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on August 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, Cheryl, and family. Born on June 27, 1953, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Hannibal, Missouri, to Paul Adrian and Isabelle Madonna Lefever Elliott, Bill was a lifelong resident of Monroe City. He married the love of his life, Cheryl Lynn Gullion, on September 24, 1983, and they shared 42 years of love, laughter, and adventure. Cheryl survives him, along with their two sons, Timothy Elliott of Hannibal and Paul Elliott of Monroe City. He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Patricia Elliott of Monroe City, two grandsons, Aaron Elliott of Springfield, Missouri, and Justin Elliott of Linn, Missouri, and his brother-in-law, Jon Gullion of Hannibal, whom Bill helped raise. Bill's extended family includes many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who held a special place in his heart. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Gene Smith; sister-in-law, Susie Smith; and nephew, Steven Joseph Smith. A man of deep faith, Bill was a lifelong member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Monroe City, where he served as a songleader for many years. His devotion to his Catholic faith was evident in every aspect of his life. Bill was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. He attended Holy Rosary School and graduated from Monroe City R-1 High School in 1971. Bill's career was marked by hard work and dedication. He learned the trade of meat cutting from Joey Buckman at Buckman's Superette, a skill he carried with him throughout his life. He worked at Wunderlich's IGA and Double J Foods in Monroe City, and Wade's IGA in Paris, Missouri. After retiring from the City of Monroe City, where he worked for 36 years as a lineman and power plant superintendent, Bill continued to serve his community. He was a member of the Monroe City Fire Department for over 26 years, rising to the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. In his retirement, Bill stayed active, delivering meals for the Monroe City Senior Nutrition Center and part-time meat cutting at White Barn Processing. Outside of work, Bill cherished his time with friends and family. He loved Sunday afternoons playing cards with Regina Hays and his Hays "siblings." Bill also enjoyed cooking for community events with the Ritter Crew, spending Wednesdays at the Dugout with the "Beer Bunch," and participating in the annual spoonbill snagging trip and camping at the Salt River. Bill's generous spirit, sense of humor, and kind heart will be missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and commitment to his faith, family, and community. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Monroe City, Missouri. Father Christopher Hoffmann will officiate, and burial will follow at the Holy Rosary Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 26, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Garner Funeral Home & Chapel, Monroe City, with a rosary service beginning at 4:45 p.m. and a scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Pallbearers will include John Ritter, Gary McElroy, Keith Hays, Steve Hays, Phil Hays, and Johnny Bill Thompson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Monroe County Cancer Survivors, Holy Rosary School, or the Holy Rosary Renovation Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Garner Funeral Home & Chapel, Monroe City, Missouri. Online condolences can be made at garnerfuneralchapel.com. Bill's life was a testament to the values of faith, family, and service, and he will be deeply missed by all who were privileged to know him.