Mr. Dale Bill E. Virt

He was born on July 21, 1929, in Missouri, the son of Emma and Paul Virt. He married Betty Gilkerson Lewis in 1963. She preceded him in death in 1997.

He is survived by five daughters, Sharon (Charlie) Alaimo, Tomball, TX., Dale (Tony) Barrios, Palm Harbor, FL, Jerry Farmer, Washington, IL, Becky (Robert) Brown, Dekalb, IL, Lynn (Edward) White, East Peoria, IL; and by two sons, Randy (Carol) Lewis, San Clemente, CA, Mark Virt, Kingman, AZ. Bill was blessed with 14 grandchildren: Michael (Jennifer) Alaimo, New Braunsels, TX, Tracy (Chris) Mattson, Santa Rosa, CA, Roger (Tania) Wagner, Tampa, FL, Stacy (Bill) Koonce, Washington, IL, Brian Farmer, Milaca, MN, Karen (Scott) Sorrel, Peoria, IL, J.J. Lewis, Pasadena, CA, Kristy (James) Peters, Pasadena, CA, Jim Lewis, Honolulu, HI, Andrew Angel, Peoria, IL, Sarah (Dan) Jechs, Silvis, IL, Jennifer Brown, Charleston, IL, Carley Lambdin, East Peoria, IL, Dale Elliot Lambdin, East Peoria, IL, Also surviving are 18 great grandchildren.

On November 20, 1999, he married Betty Cumiford Berryhill. She survives. Also surviving are her two sisters and brother-in-law, to whom Bill was very close: Ron and Debbie Pearson, Roanoke, VA. and Verna Jackson, Forest Hills, KY.

Bill retired from Caterpillar as a weld engineer in 1984 with 33 years of service. He then worked part-time at Morton Metal Craft, Morton, IL, spending his winters in Winter Haven, FL.

After marrying Betty, they made their home in Florida year-round. Bill joined the First Baptist Church at the Mall, Lakeland, FL where he was actively involved.

Memorial contributions can be made to 1st Baptist Church at the Mall. Visitation will be Monday, June 28 from 1-3pm with services at 3pm, both of 1st Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland.

Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home, Auburndale