William E. Werner

William E. (Bill) Werner, 83, of Springfield, passed away at his home on October 29, 2008 at 4:00 a.m. after a long battle of cancer. Bill was born on September 5, 1925, the son of Maurice and Florence Werner. He married Elizabeth (Betty) Blair on October 6, 1951 in Illiopolis. Mr. Werner graduated from Springfield High School and served in the Navy approximately 3 years during WWII. He was a navy radar specialist and served in North Africa and the invasion of Italy. His brother, Charles, was 100 miles from him, but neither brother knew it at the time. After WWII, Bill was self-employed with his brother in the general contracting business from 1948 to 1955. In 1955, Mr. Werner went to work for the Federal Housing Administration as a construction Analyst and later was promoted to the Architect Department where he was Chief Inspector for the single and multi-family architect branch. In 1978, Mr. Werner took early retirement from the Springfield Housing Office. From 1978 to 1994, he performed inspections for the Chicago HUD Office in single and multi-family projects in central and southern Illinois. He was a member of St. Cabrini Church, Knights of Columbus #364, East Side Democrats, and American Legion. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert. Bill enjoyed gardening, yard work, walking in Werner timber, listening to St. Louis Cardinal games, Caribbean cruises, playing cards, going to the gambling boats, harmonizing, telling jokes, and building homes with his brother. Bill enjoyed being with his wife and family. One of his most pleasant thoughts was of his grandsons whom he adored. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather (Popo), brother, and uncle. He had many friends. Bill is survived by Betty, his wife of 57 years; son William (Billy) of Springfield; daughter, Mary Beth Carter (husband, Barry Carter) of Riverton; Kathleen (husband, Garrett) Deakin of Springfield, and Carol Werner at home; two grandsons Benn and Clint Carter of Riverton; his brother, Charles (wife, Sharon) Werner of Chatham; sisters, Betty and Catherine Werner of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Cabrini, 1020 N. Milton Ave., Springfield, IL 62702. Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2008 at St. Cabrini, 1020 N. Milton Ave., Springfield with Rev. Richard L. Chiola, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Department of Defense.