William F. "Bill" Hoag

William F. "Bill" Hoag, 87, of Springfield, died at 6:55 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at his home. William F. (Bill) Hoag was born January 31, 1927 in Blue Island, Illinois to Perry (Sr.) and Helen (Lussenhop) Hoag. At the age of 17, after graduating from high school, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Base. From Chicago he went to the west coast and traveled on the USS Audrain to the Philippine Islands. From the Philippines he was assigned to the battleship USS West Virginia for a short time, went to Okinawa, and then on to Saipan in Marshall Islands. He was on the air craft carrier USS Independence for three months and then on to Kodiak Alaska, where he underwent training to be an aerographer (weatherman.) Finally, he went to Adak, Alaska, in the Aleutian Islands, where he experienced a tidal wave. Bill was honorably discharged as a Seaman Second Class on July 4, 1946. For his service he received the American Area Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. Bill attended Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois on the G.I. Bill, graduating with a bachelor of science in commercial education and social science. While at Western, Bill met Jean Ann Davis who was also attending Western and was a Macomb native. They were married on December 26, 1948 in Macomb. Son, Michael William, was born in 1950. Daughter, Susan Jean, was born several years later. The family relocated to the Chicago area, living in Blue Island and Harvey. Bill was employed in management for Phillips Petroleum for a large part of his career, with several more moves which included Kalamazoo, Michigan; back to Blue Island; Geneseo, IL; Naperville, IL; and finally to Springfield, IL. Bill retired in Springfield, after working for the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. During his career with Phillips, Bill helped coordinate their "Punt, Pass & Kick" competition with the Chicago Bears. He coached his son in baseball, and was an avid and talented golfer. In his later years, Bill enjoyed his many friendships and time spent at the Fit Club in Springfield. With Jean, he enjoyed many years of participation in the Night Hawks Dance Group and attending concerts in Springfield. He also enjoyed several family vacations with his children and grandchildren to Colorado, and visits to Las Vegas. There have always been family pets for Bill to enjoy, especially Tammy, Lady and Kelly, along with countless rescue dogs that Jean helped care for over the years. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Wayne; his in-laws Dr. Elmer and Mabel Davis; sister-in-law Anne Hoag; and infant twin grandsons. Bill is survived by his wife, Jean; daughter, Susan; son Michael and his wife, Becky, and their children Matthew and Shannon Hoag Hamman, Shannon's husband, Kyle Hamman, and great grandson Elijah Lee Hamman. Also surviving are Bill's brothers, Perry Hoag, Jr., and Kenneth Hoag, and his wife, Mary; and brother-in-law Dr. Jack Davis, and his wife Jeanne. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 12:00-12:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Memorial Ceremony: 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Department of Defense. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all of the hospital staff and medical care-givers that were so wonderful to Bill. Memorial contributions may be directed to: Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702.