William Ellsworth Heely Jr

William served his country as a diligent Navy sailor in World War II. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, William pursued a civilian career as a Cut Laborer. He possessed strength and endurance, and was able to maintain the job until his retirement at 62 years of age. In 1948 he married the love of his life, Betty Jane nee Schwahn. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage until her passing. William was an avid baseball fan, particularly of the St Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, and being a member of the Laborers International Union of North America Local 459. His greatest accomplishments were his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed hearing stories of their different hobbies and adventures. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather,great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, who will truly be missed.

Preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Jane Heely; his son, William Ellsworth Heely III; granddaughter, Heather Vandiver; both parents, William Ellsworth and Margaret, nee Pigford, Heely, Sr.; brother, Darwin Heely; sisters, Margaret Heely, in infancy, Jane Campbell, and Dorothy Meloan.

Surviving to cherish his memory are, his daughters; Pamela (Donald) Killingsworth, of Beavercreek, Ohio, and Deborah (Charlie) Haar, of Hillsboro, Missouri; grandchildren, Carrie Killingsworth, Jason (Tish) Heely, Kristie (Roger) Ottensmeier, Jamie (Joanna) Killingsworth, Becky (David) Daniels, Ryan (Shauna) Heely, and Jonathan (Jessica) Haar; great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Marcellus, Hunter, Hallie, Ashley, Julia, Devon, Tyson, and Zoe; and great-great-grandchildren Bryton and Kaiden. He also leaves numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many family and friends.

Memorials are appreciated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Susan G. Komen foundation. Expressions of memories and condolences can also be expressed on www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com

Visitation: Friends may visit Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Lake View Funeral Home in Fairview Heights, Illinois.

Funeral: Funeral Services will start at 12:00 p.m. immediately following the visitation at Lake View Funeral Home. The Comital Service will be held immediately following the funeral at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Cemetery in Belleville, Illinois.