William G. Chestnut

William George "Bill" Chestnut, of Springfield, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 12, 2019. He was born July 12, 1933 in Springfield, to William J. and Cathryn (Casey) Chestnut. Bill graduated from Lanphier High School and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He married Florence Behm in Chicago on July 30, 1955. Bill was avidly involved in the bowling community. He was a director of the American Bowling Congress for 33 years and competed in the National Open Tournament for 58 consecutive years. Bill was the Executive Director of the Illinois Bowling Association for many years and ran the Illinois Mens State Bowling Tournament. He served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Greater Springfield Bowling Association and ran the Central Illinois Bowling Tournament. Through his service, Bill was inducted into the Greater Springfield Bowling Hall of Fame, Springfield Sports Hall of Fame, and Illinois State Bowling Hall of Fame. Bill was also a die-hard Chicago Cubs Fan, as well as a Chicago Bears and University of Illinois sports fan. He retired after 30 years of service to Fiat Allis in 1981. Bill was fiercely proud of his family and could be seen showing off pictures to everyone he came across. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Florence; seven children, William F. (Kim) of Pleasant Plains, David (Cindy) of Alexandria, VA, Mike (Donna Davlantis) of Springfield, Tim (Marina) of Rochester, Nancy (Ed) Phillips of Pawnee, Jim (Elaine) of Riverton, and Patty (Kevin) Patrick of Springfield; daughter-in-law, Andrea Chestnut of Huntley; twenty grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister, Margaret Black of Cantrall; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Fred; and twin granddaughters. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering and Memorial Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:45 p.m. on Monday, January 21, 2019 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A Memorial Ceremony will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Joseph H. Eby officiating. Graveside Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will host a Celebration of Life from 6:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Anchor Boat Club. Memorial contributions may be made to the Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU, P.O. Box 19666, Springfield, IL 62794-9666.