He was born November 7, 1930 in West Terre Haute, IN to William C. and Jeanette Hants Schwab.
He married Dolores M. Larkin on July 30, 1950 in Peoria and she preceded him in death on August 8, 2000. He later married Burdell K. Coon on December 8, 2000 in Peoria and she preceded him in death on September 16, 2016.
He is survived by his daughters, Bonnie S. (Greg) Larson and Karen (Mike) Stringer, both of Peoria; and son William W. Schwab in Delavan, WI. He is also survived by his step children Denise
(Steve) Foertner of Peoria and Brian (Angie) Coon of Ashville, NC. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Jake (Nicole) Larson, Matthew Larson, Michel (Amy) Stringer, and Heather (Jeremy) Norfleet. He referred to his five great-granddaughters and 6 great-grandsons as his “future.” He is also survived by his brother Robert Schwab of TX and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna M. Schwab; grandson, William F. Schwab, brother, Richard Schwab, and sister, Barbara Lamb.
Upon the death of their daughter, Bill and Dolores set up the Donna M. Schwab scholarship award for Peoria School District 150 special education students.
He retired in 1988 as manager of the Employee Benefits Division of Caterpillar Inc. with 40 years of service.
Bill and Dolores became snowbirds in 1989 living at Pointe West Retirement Community in Largo, FL. There, Bill was active in their ongoing activities including Bingo, playing shuffleboard and euchre. He also organized trips for the residents to visit various entertainment sites in the area. Bill enjoyed calling Bingo at the local community center for his red hat ladies. He was also a volunteer at their local community theater as an usher. Bill and Burdell later became full time residents in Florida. Bill remained there at Pointe West until 2019. Bill enjoyed his time in Florida and especially his "Florida gang".
Bill was a lifetime member of the Caterpillar Employees Mixed Chorus, appearing in over 60 of their annual productions and was awarded their Roscoe Award and Tom Neal Award for outstanding service. He was an active member of Corn Stock Theatre, performing on stage as well as working back stage. He also help fund the Corn Stock Theatre Center (Lab). He was a lifetime member of Peoria Players Theatre, serving multiple terms on their board of directors as Treasurer as well as performing on stage there.
Bill served on the Peoria Board of Education for 10 years with one term as President when the board received the honor of Outstanding Board from the National Association. He was also the past President of Parents Committee for Better Education.
Bill was also the past President for Peoria Area Council on Alcoholism.
Bill served on the Board of the Community Workshop and Training Center where he was essential in helping to set up an insurance benefits program for their employees.
Bill was a lifetime member of the Peoria Jaycees and Junior Chamber International as a Jaycee Senator and state secretary for the Illinois Jaycees. He relished in telling the story of meeting Senator John Kennedy and escorting him onto a stage for one of his speeches.
Bill was a lifetime member of Lodge AF&AM, Peoria Consistory and Mohammed Shrine.
Bill was a Cub and Boy Scout leader and a member of the Order of the Arrow.
Bill was an active member of Glen Oak Christian Church since 1955, serving as Elder, Deacon, and a member of their board, and was elected to Elders Emeritus in 2010.
Because of his multiple interests and community service, memorial donations can be awarded to a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank Vitas Hospice for all the excellent care they provided.
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Grandview Park Pavilion located at the bottom of Grandview Drive with a box lunch at noon. Services and music will start at 1:00 PM and will be officiated by Dr. Randy Williams. Music will be provided by the Glen Oak Christian Church bell choir and the Caterpillar Employees Mixed Chorus. Masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests.
Online condolences may be left at www.Davison-Fulton.com.
DONACIONES
Any Charity of Donor's Choice
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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