Billy Gene "Bill" Hamilton

PEKIN ~ Billy Gene "Bill" Hamilton, 79, of Pekin, passed away at 10:50 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2011 at the Pekin Hospital Emergency Room.

Born May 16, 1932 in Manito to Wilson Frank and Blanche Serina (Rasmussen) Hamilton, he married Janet L. Watson on February 24, 1961 in Pekin.  She survives.

Also surviving are one sister, Francis Malavolti of Pekin and one brother, Charles F. (Sheri) Hamilton of Peoria.  He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Joyce Hamilton and Jeanette Hargett.

A 1950 graduate of Manito High School, Bill then served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Korean War.

He worked for Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville for 35 years, retiring June 30, 1985 as a rigger welder in the steel mill.

He was a member of Hill-Palmer American Legion Post 561 in Manito and the Keystone Goodfellows Club.  He also was a member of the National Rifle Association.A private pilot since 1964, Bill also enjoyed traveling, camping and reading.

He attended Spring Lake Missionary Church in rural Manito.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  Pastor Tom Schakat will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Baughman Cemetery in rural Smithfield, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Army and Russell Smith American Legion Post 533 of Cuba.

Memorial contributions may be made to Spring Lake Missionary Church, 6779 Townline Rd., Manito, IL 61546.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com