Donald "Bill" William Maskel

He was born on December 5, 1930, in Georgetown, a son of Jess and Effee (Good) Maskel. Bill married Mary Ann Hedrick on June 25, 1965, in Pekin, they were married for 27 years. She preceded him in death on January 4, 1991.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, George, Frank, Jess, Charles and Clarence Maskell; and three sisters, Juanita Memerick, Margaret Patterson and Dorothy Essett.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Iris (Mike Switzer) Bennet Switzer of Glen Carbon; granddaughter, Candice Bennett of Locust Grove, Georgia; several nieces and nephews and a close friend, Butch Stearns who was a wonderful friend and neighbor.

He attended Georgetown High School where he played football and ran track. Bill moved to Pekin in 1949 and worked for Caterpillar Inc., B&R, and Indiana Continental Fence Co before joining U.S. Navy in 1951. During his service time he worked as a Boatswain’s Mate. He was stationed in San Diego, California and was assigned to a Destroyer that sailed to Korea three times. Bill earned an honorable discharge in 1955.

He worked construction for 8 years before starting work at Pekin Corn Products – Pekin Energy for 30 years as a Pipefitter retiring in 1994. After retirement, he volunteered as an escort at Pekin Hospital for 5 years.

Bill was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin, the Eagles Lodge Arie # 1869 and a life member of the American Legion, AMVETS and VFW. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing and watching baseball. He was a die-hard fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.

A private graveside service will be held on a later date at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

The family is so appreciative of the staff at John Evans Assisted Living where Bill called his home for the last few years of his life. Willow Ridge Hospice along with John Evans medical staff saw to it that Bill spent his last weeks in comfort amid caring hands.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com.