William "Bill" T. Shea

He was born on January 19, 1949, in Springfield, the son of William C. and Dorothy (Falconberg) Shea. Bill married Rachel D. Sisk on September 28, 1985 in Glenarm.

Bill graduated from Lanphier High School. After graduation he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. Bill was a member of the Operating Engineers Local Union #965 and Chatham VFW Post 4763. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed fishing, traveling, spending time with his family, talking to strangers and trying new restaurants. He was a dedicated family man who was always there for his family.

Throughout Bill’s life, he worked at his father’s Texaco and Marathon gas stations which later became Shea’s Route 66 Museum. Bill and his family are members of the Route 66 Hall of Fame. Bill and his father were local legends and known worldwide for their involvement and contributions to the history of Route 66.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Shea; and stepmother, Helen Shea.

Bill is survived by his wife, Rachel D. Shea of Divernon; children, John W. Shea of Pawnee, William C. Shea of Springfield, Tiffany (Jared) Baker of Springfield, and Teresa Mayer of Divernon, and John (Cheri) Harden of Pawnee; grandchildren, Gillian (Joe) Bloome, Jordan T. Shea, Clayton J. and Chelby E. Harden; and one great-grandchild, Nova Jo.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Chatham VFW Post 4763, 214 W. Chestnut St., Chatham, IL.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 28105-9959, or Chatham VFW Post 4763, 214 W. Chestnut St., Chatham, IL 62629.

Please visit www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.