William B. "Bill" Lyons, Jr,.

William B. “Bill” Lyons, Jr., 64, of Springfield, died at 9:48 a.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at St. John’s Hospital. Bill was born on August 20, 1942 in Peoria, the son of William B. Sr. and Evelyn Wave Shirley Lyons. He married Wendy Keys on August 31, 1966 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Havana. He was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving are his wife, Wendy Lyons of Springfield; two daughters: Jennifer (husband, Frank) Gardner of Springfield and Rachel (husband, Tony) Jachino of Springfield; six grandchildren: Daniel, Isabel, MaryClaire and Catherine Gardner and Caroline and Gabriel Jachino. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. He was a graduate of Havana Community High School Class of 1960. He attended the University of New Mexico for two years and received a Bachelors of Science/Political Science/History degree from Western Illinois University. He was a graduate of the first class of the Illinois Bureau of Investigation. Bill served in the Illinois State Police attaining the rank of Lieutenant. He was a Special Agent in the Division of Criminal Investigation, retiring August 1997. He was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Elks Lodge 158, National Rifle Association and Retired State Police Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 :00 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2007 at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. 2nd St. Springfield with Rev. Gus Franklin and Deacon Martha Bradley officiating. Graveside Ceremonies will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 16, 2007 at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana where military honors will be conducted by the Department of Defense. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Children’s Fund, 1218 E. South Grand Ave., Springfield, IL 62703. The family of William B. 'Bill' Lyons, Jr. is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.