William E. “Bill” Hays, age 76, of Oquawka, Illinois, passed away at
9:05 PM on Monday, February 22, 2021 at Great River Hospice House in
West Burlington, Iowa. He was born June 4, 1944 in Monmouth, Illinois,
the son of Delven William and Eula Grace (McPherren) Hays. Bill was
educated in the Oquawka Schools, attending G&O High School and
graduating from Union High School. Bill proudly served his Country in
the United States Army as a combat engineer during the Vietnam Conflict.
On March 15, 1975, he married Marilee S. Lubke in Gladstone, Illinois
and she is surviving. For most of his career, Bill worked for J.I. Case
in Burlington, Iowa. He had previously worked at Butler Manufacturing in
Galesburg, Illinois. He was a member of Faith Bible Church in Oquawka.
Bill loved reading, tinkering with small engines, woodworking, and
“pranking” his friends and family, and watching his children play sports
when they were younger. As a man of faith, he enjoyed reading his Bible.
Mostly, Bill loved his grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his wife Marilee of Oquawka, Illinois, two
daughters, Melanie Williamson of Oquawka, Illinois and Stacey (Eric)
Beaulieu of East Moline, Illinois, one son, Jeremy (Mindy) Hays of
Lampasas, Texas, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also
surviving are one sister, Judy (Ron) Norman, and two brothers, David
(Elizabeth) Hays and Delven C. (Betty Jean) Hays. Bill is preceded in
death by his parents and his son-in-law Richie Williamson.
Private services are being planned. Visitation will be held from
5:00-7:00 PM on Friday, February 26, 2021 at Turnbull Funeral Home in
Oquawka, Illinois. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, masks will be required
and social distancing should be practiced. Cremation will be accorded
after the service. A memorial fund is being established for Faith Bible
Church in Oquawka, Illinois. For more information, or to leave a
remembrance of Bill, please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.
