Bill L. Sayrs, 88, of Galesburg, died at 6:50 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at home.
He was born September 23, 1931, in Maquon, the son of Melvin E. and Sylvia A. (Varnold) Sayrs. He married Darlene J. Simpson on April 18, 1952, in Abingdon.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Darlene; his daughter, Dr. Kandy S. Sayrs DDS (and Dan Bailey) of Galesburg; a sister, Dorothy A. Blank of Chillicothe; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Melvin E. Sayrs Jr., Harold G. Sayrs, Robert L. Sayrs, and Ralph R. Sayrs; and two sisters, Virginia Espenscheid and Alice May Sayrs.
Bill started working at a young age as the “south side” paperboy to help support his family. He then went to work for the CB&Q, later the Burlington Northern Railroad, as a switchman for 20 years and later as a clerk/crew caller for 23 years, retiring in September 1991. In his early years with the railroad, Bill worked at his brother’s store, Mel’s Red and White, in Knoxville.
Bill was chairman of the board for Galesburg Burlington Credit Union for 17 years, serving 27 total years on the board. He was a member of Alpha Masonic Lodge #155, Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285, and the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees.
Bill loved animals, especially his grand dogs and cats. He also loved riding in the boat at Oak Run and driving his 1929 Model A.
He served in the United States Army for two years during the Korean War. He served in the Transportation Division as a Corporal in LaRochelle, France. In September 2015, Bill and his daughter were able to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
Due to social distancing limitations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, friends and family may pay their respects from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19, 2020, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. The immediate family will not be present. Private family funeral service will be Monday, April 20, 2020, at the chapel with Pastor Katie Gallagher officiating. Burial will follow in East Linwood Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Humane Society or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
