William James "Bill" Kearley

28 July 1932 ~ 15 June 2023

William James “Bill” Kearley, age 90, of Oak Park, loving husband of Lola and devoted father of Lisa (Ron) Simmons, Rodger (Kerry) Kearley, Brian Kearley, Leslie (Toby) Peterson, and Jeremy (Shelly) Kearley, peacefully departed for a blessed heavenly reunion with friends and family members who preceded him in death: his parents (Frank & Patricia Kearley), brothers and sisters-in-law (Frank & Doreen, Eugene “Gene”, John & Eleanor, Patrick & Susan, George & Carol, and James “Jim” Kearley), sister and brother-in-law (Patricia & Richard Huska), and great granddaughter Jerzee Lorraine Fouts.

He is survived by his wife and children, grandchildren (Matt, Sean, Daniel, Sarah, Chelsea, Heather, Jake, Avery, Alexie, Savannah, Alex, Michael, Andrew, Charles, and Henry), great grandchildren (William, Bearett, Charlotte, Chandler, Isla, and Wilder), sister Maureen (Byron “Bud”) Childs, and sister-in-law Clara Kearley.

Bill wed the love of his life, Lola Allphin Neves in Chicago on 7 October 1961, and their marriage was later solemnized for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bill served faithfully with fellow church members from all walks of life and many of whom became lifelong friends, in callings ranging from Usher, Ward Clerk, Bishopric Counselor, to Chicago LDS Temple ordinance worker and greeter alongside his wife.

The first in his family to be born in the United States (Chicago), Bill was a self-made man, naturally athletic, and an avid reader who earned his GED after having left high school early in order to help support his family and tend his four younger siblings. Following the example of his older brothers, who enlisted during World War II, Bill proudly served overseas in Korea (a recipient of the Korean Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal) with the United States Army, Company H 32nd Infantry (Heavy Weapons) for one year, then stateside in the Army reserves for another seven years prior to his honorable discharge.

Bill soon joined up with another worthy crew of veterans at Carpet-Tex, where he proudly worked 30+ years for respected owner/friend, Don Deetjen, and teamed up with lifelong mentor/friend “Uncle” Al Butler. He later partnered with his brother, George, to take ownership and rename the company to B&G Carpet-Tex. Bill continued to successfully operate the business in service to his many long-standing clients who valued Dad’s strong ethic for efficiently performing quality work while paying quiet and meticulous attention to detail.

Bill & Lola raised their family of two daughters and three sons in Oak Park, where Dad served as steadfast supporter, fan, and dependable chauffeur. Having driven to jobs all over the Chicagoland area during his work week, he never complained about the lengths he would be asked to drive afterwards or on the weekends, the number of last-minute errands he ran, or the amount of time he spent patiently waiting around to transport each of us home again. His love and devotion were measured not by the number of hugs he gave or “love you’s” he spoke aloud, but by never failing to show up, be fully present, and support us in all of our endeavors.

Dad taught by example, choosing to selflessly serve his family, friends, and neighbors. Perhaps though, his greatest service and gift was for listening without judgement, whether it was to a minor complaint, serious concern, or personal story he had already heard repeated dozens of times before, he still served patiently as an interested audience, reliable sounding board, and peacemaker who calmed the waters providing both space and time to figure out solutions for oneself. Whether single, married, or widowed, young or old, a parade of people would seek out and find comfort in availing themselves of his listening ear, compassionate heart, and strong shoulders upon which they could unburden themselves.

Bill Kearley has always been a faithful, caring and humble soul, an honorable man of dignity and virtue known to sacrifice his own comfort to put the needs of others before his own and generously share of his time, talents, and resources. As Uncle Jim, his youngest brother, would exclaim every time he would see or phone him, “My brother Bill, always the good guy, the better man!” In today’s world torn by discord and strife, Bill’s example of unassuming kindness and gentleness serves as a beacon to guide and shepherd us, to choose to be different and heed our better angels. We love you, Dad, and know you’re in a better place, waiting patiently and watching over us all ‘til we meet again.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family invites those who are able to consider making a donation in Bill’s name to his favorite charity, the American Red Cross.

Friends and family will gather for a visitation for Bill that will be held Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Westchester, 1550 Haase Avenue, Westchester, Illinois 60154. A funeral service will take place following at 12:00 PM. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 West Hoff Road, Elwood, Illinois 60421.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountAuburnFuneralHome.com for the Kearley family.