William J. Cowell's Obituary
William Joseph Cowell, 81, of Decatur, passed away Monday, November 21, 2016, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Bill was born March 4, 1935, in Stonington, IL, the son of Orville Eugene and Beulah Belle (Grear) Cowell. He served in the United States Army. He married Mary Jo Abel Fore on December 7, 1974, in Decatur. He attended Salem Baptist Church in Decatur.
Bill was an iron worker for many years. He was a lifetime member and past president for Iron Workers Local 46 in Springfield, IL. He was an avid Chicago Cub fan, loved flying model airplanes, fishing, antique cars, animals, puzzles, and most of all spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary Cowell; three daughters, Milana (Neil) Patterson of Orlando, FL. Karol (Matthew) Stookey of Champaign, IL and Karen Cowell of Goreville, IL; one step-daughter, Billie (Brian) Wilhelm of Niantic, IL; eight grandchildren, Christopher Patterson, Jennifer Stookey, David Stookey, Corey Blair, Jesse Blair, Emily Blair, Gabriel Wilhelm, Noah Wilhelm; one great-granddaughter, Teagan Blair; and one sister, Rosemary (Dean) McKinney of Herrin, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Patsy Gregg.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Bill Cowell will be 2 p.m. Friday, November 25, 2016, at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday before the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Salem Baptist Church 2650 S Taylorville Rd. Decatur, IL 62521 or to the donor’s choice.
The family of William J. Cowell is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. Share memories and send condolences to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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