William Michael Frier III

HANNIBAL, Mo. -- William Michael Frier III, 74, of Hannibal, died Wednesday (June 10, 2009) in the Beth Haven Nursing Home. William was born Dec. 29, 1934, in Hannibal to William Michael Frier Jr. and Gertrude May Zimmerman Frier. He married Mary Susan Blanton on July 1, 1955, in Blessed Sacrament Church, and she survives. William graduated from McCooey Catholic High School in 1952. He played basketball, baseball and football and received a medal from the All American Club for his performance on the football field. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean War from 1954 to 1956. He was a member of the 11th Airborne Division of the U.S. Army at Fort Campbell, Ky., and later was a member of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, completing 50 jumps. He received an honorable discharge from the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, N.C. William was co-owner with his brother, John Frier, of the Mark Twain Produce Co. until 1993. He farmed in Philadelphia and later drove for James Trucking Co. Mr. Frier served on the board of American Loan and Savings. He was a lifetime member of B.P.O.E. Lodge 1198, a member of the Hannibal Lions Club, Hannibal Country Club, Knights of Columbus, Hannibal Boat Club, Emmette J. Shields Post 55, the American Legion and the Ole B's Club. Early in life Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved boating and owned many different boats. He traveled to many locations including Mexico, the Arctic Circle and had been in 48 of the 50 states. He loved watching sports, including the St. Louis Cardinals. William had many, many great friends. He loved to tell stories and laugh. He loved his pets including Riley, Diz and Mr. Finnigan. A special thanks to everyone who helped the family through the journey of cancer, especially the nurses and aides at Beth Haven. You made his last days easier, and he knew that you loved him. Also surviving are three children, William Michael Frier IV, of Hannibal, Kelly Brynn Frier Cooper and husband, Alan, of Collinsville, Ill., and Christopher Blanton Frier of Hannibal; five grandchildren, William Michael Frier V, Whitney Nicole Frier, Stephanie Jo Frier, Hannah Elizabeth Cooper and Emma Christine Cooper; one brother, John Joseph Frier and wife, Becky, of Hannibal; three sisters, Mary Nell Meyer and husband, George, of Quincy, Margaret Ann White and husband C.V., of Sebring, Fla., and Maureen Ester Mau, of Springfield, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding William in death were his parents and one sister, Elizabeth Ann Frier. SERVICES: 10 a.m. Tuesday Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Family Church with the Rev. Pat Pierceall conducting. Burial with full military honors conducted by Emmette J. Shields Post 55, the American Legion, will be in Grand View Burial Park, Hannibal. VISITATION: 5 to 8 p.m. Monday in the Smith Funeral Home and Chapel, Hannibal. MEMORIALS: Humane Society of Northeast Missouri, the American Cancer Society or Beth Haven Nursing Home, in care of Smith Funeral Home and Chapel, 2619 St. Mary's Ave., Hannibal, MO 63401. ARRANGEMENTS: Smith Funeral Home and Chapel, Hannibal. Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.