Oscar William “Bill” Wing Jr., 86, of Sunset Hills Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026, surrounded by his family at Friendship Village Retirement Community in Sunset Hills, Missouri.
Born on November 1, 1939, in Kewanee, Illinois, Bill was the son of Oscar William and Margaret Ellen (Amlong) Wing Sr. He graduated from AlWood High School in 1957 and later pursued higher education at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, earning his degree in 1968.
In 1960, Bill married Marilyn Kay Johnston, beginning a partnership that spanned nearly 66 years and created countless memories over the decades.
Prior to attending college, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army as an SP5, completing two years of active duty and four years in the reserves.
Bill was deeply passionate about his two lifelong professions: farming and banking. He enjoyed a successful career as a bank vice president and chief commercial lending officer. Later trading boardrooms for open pastures, he embraced life as a cattle rancher—a role that allowed him to enjoy the land and the simple pleasures of his bovine friends. Even as dementia progressed, he could recall many of the St. Louis businesses he had helped via commercial loans. His love of farming never left him either. When our family was considering the purchase of a home where Granny and Granddad could live with us, we found a property with a barn and a few acres. Upon hearing about it, Granddad’s eyes lit up. With unmistakable enthusiasm, he said, “Well, I know how to take care of the cows. I can be in charge of the cows.” It was a touching reminder that the farmer in him remained strong to the end.
Bill’s family likes to think he’s somewhere in the sky with his childhood dog, Tuffie, and his herding dog, Tucker, and they are all caring for heaven’s cows. Bill never met a dog who was a stranger and every last dog loved him back.
Bill was reserved, traditional, and very smart. He was well-read and eclectic in his choice of reading materials. He knew something about everything and could carry a conversation on whatever topic you picked. He was often quiet but when he laughed that boisterous laugh, it had a way of filling the room.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Kay; his daughter, Carrie Wing and husband John Reineke; his son, Andrew Wing and fiancée Gina Griffith; and his four adored grandchildren, William Reineke, Forrest Reineke, Teddie Wing, and Keaton Wing. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will miss his presence and remember him with love. Bill was preceded in death by his parents.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Alpha Cemetery in Alpha, Illinois. Bill and Kay’s nephew, Kevin Johnston, will officiate. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at Genisio’s Bar and Grill from noon to 3:00 p.m. to visit with Kay and the family.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2026, at St. Lucas United Church of Christ in St. Louis, Missouri. Pastor George Miller will officiate. Following the service, family and friends are invited to join the family in the fellowship hall for lunch and fellowship.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.
Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is honored to assist the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
