Mr. William “Bill” Robert Jewsbury, 98, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away at 2:10 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Seminary Manor in Galesburg, Illinois.
He was born April 10, 1927, in Jacksonville, Illinois to F. Harold Jewsbury and Hermine (Fahlbusch) Jewsbury. He married Willa Irene Whitton on September 8, 1951, in Toluca, Illinois at the Antioch Christian Church.
Surviving is his wife of nearly 74 years, Willa (Whitton) Jewsbury, a daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Jewsbury ( Dr. Rand) Conger, PhD, two sons, Rev. William H. (Rev. Marcia) Jewsbury, and Robert (Pamela) Jewsbury, seven grandchildren, Christa (John) Jewsbury-Marshall, Chad (Kate Korroch- wife) Jewsbury, Christopher Jewsbury, Scott Jewsbury, and Bryan Jewsbury, Dr. Kimber-Lynn Conger and AZ (Heather Daymon-wife) Conger, three great-grandchildren, Easton Jewsbury, Grace Marshall, and Hazel Anne Korroch. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jean Jaycox.
Bill and his parents moved to Galesburg in 1932, where he attended Silas Willard, Churchill Junior High, and Galesburg High School, where it was originally located in downtown Galesburg. He graduated in May of 1945.
Before his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the United States Navy and spent his service from 1945 to 1946 at the Great Lakes Naval Station. He served during WWII as a Chaplains assistant where he played the organ for the Blue Jackets Choir and religious services at the naval station. Upon discharge, he returned to Galesburg and attended Knox College for two years. He completed a degree in Business Administration and Accounting at the University of Illinois in 1949. While he completed his degrees, he also obtained a private pilot license.
After graduating, he served as a feed salesman for the Warren County Service Co. After marrying Willa in 1951, the newlyweds took up residence in Henry, Illinois. William served as an Assistant Manager of the Marshall Putnam Oil Company and also became the organist for the Henry Christian Church.
In 1957, the family moved back to Galesburg where he became a partner in School Equipment Service Company. It later became Noname Inc and Office Systems, Inc. He retired in 1997.
Bill stayed active in his community, serving as an organist for several churches in the area, President of Civic Music Board, Board of the Barton Stone Christian Home for Senior Citizens in Jacksonville, Illinois, President of the National Christian Men’s Fellowship, a trustee of Eureka College, and election judge. He was a very active member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), an Elder Emeritus, served on the Board of Trustees for many years, and also served on the Habitat for Humanity Board for many years.
Bill and Willa enjoyed traveling all over the world, traveling to many countries, and going on several cruises over the years. They especially enjoyed traveling by air to different locations with long time friends, Dr. Gene and Sue Johnson.
Bill’s wishes were to be cremated and buried at a later date. A visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the First Christian Church in Galesburg, Illinois. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Greg and Rev. Martha-Jean Fitch officiating. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church Organ Fund. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
