William S. Cothren's Obituary
Decatur-William S. Cothren, 73, of Decatur, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Decatur Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.
Bill was born May 23, 1941 in Belvidere, Illinois, the son of Benny and Helen (Beasley) Cothren. He grew up in Iuka, Illinois, where he worked in the oil fields. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1960 at nineteen years old and proudly served his country for three years. After his military service Bill relocated to central Illinois where he was a liquor salesman and avid flat track motorcyclist. He married Teresa Hansen August 23, 1980. They were partners in their landscape business for thirty-four years starting with Bill’s Greenhouse and Garden Center, evolving into Tropical Interiors, and finally Custom Landscapes. He was a member of Saints James & Patrick Parish and was involved in coaching with the Decatur Flames and Summer Hockey League. Bill was an avid fan of the Cubs, Bears, and Illini. He loved people and he never forgot a face.
Bill leaves behind his wife Teresa, children W. Justin Cothren, Jared Cothren and fiancée Paige Harris, Josh Cothren and wife Kristin, Jessica Cothren, and Emily Cothren and boyfriend Nathan Eason, sisters Stella Duncan and husband Paul and Sue Champ and husband Don, grandchildren Oliver Eason and Kohen Cothren, brother-in-law Gary Mowry, and nephews Steve Wilson, Tony Duncan, Rick Duncan and wife Kim, and Doug Duncan and wife Tiffany.
Bill was reunited in Heaven with his parents and sister Betty Mowry.
Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend that will be greatly missed but live on in our hearts forever.
The family would like to give a special thanks to all of Bill’s caregivers for all of their compassionate care and support.
Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Bill’s life will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 407 E. Eldorado, Decatur. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday December 1, 2014 at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Burial will be in Lester Barnett Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The family of William S. Cothren is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. View the online obituary, share memories, and send condolences to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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