95, of Macomb
Bill H. Western, 95, of Macomb, Illinois was called home to be with Jesus on Thursday October 2, 2025 surrounded by his family in his home. He was born April 11, 1930 in Bean Station, TN to Halmer and Aileen (Long) Western. He married Carol F. Hocking on September 2, 1951 in Hopkinsville, KY. They were married for 72 years. She preceded him in death on March 1, 2024 Surviving are three children, Marcia (William) McGrew of Prairie City, IL; Mike (Kathy) Western of DeLand, FL; Bruce Western of Macomb, IL; five grandchildren, Audra (George) Vance, Brett (Katie) Cazalet, Eric (Mandy) Cazalet, Kenneth (Brandie) Western, Amanda (Larry) Lee; eight great-grandchildren and one brother, Gerald (Barbara) Western of Vermilion, OH.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son-in-law Mike Cazalet and granddaughter Christine (Cazalet) Darragh.
Bill was very proud of his humble beginnings in Bean Station, TN before moving with his family to Jacksonville, Illinois, at the age of six.
A 1948 graduate of Jacksonville High School, Bill went on to attend the University of Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and proudly participated in the ROTC program. Following his graduation in 1952, he fulfilled his enlistment with the United States Army, honorably serving his country and being discharged as a 1st Lieutenant.
After his military service, Bill shared his love of agriculture as a teacher at Ashland High School for two years before becoming manager of the Assumption Co-Op Grain Elevator, where he dedicated more than 38 years of service. He was a devoted and active member of the Assumption Christian Church and later Maple Avenue Christian Church in Macomb. Bill was deeply committed to his community through his volunteer work and fraternal memberships.
In 1951, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Carol F.
Hocking. Together they built a loving home in Assumption, Illinois, where they raised their family and resided for over 50 years before moving to Macomb in 2008. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His life was firmly rooted in faith, family, and service, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and Christian devotion.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday October 9, 2025 at the Maple Avenue Christian Church with Pastor Jonathan Johnson officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service from 9:00 until 11:00 am. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Assumption, IL at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Maple Avenue Christian Church, Assumption Christian Church, or to the McDonough District Hospital Hospice Program. Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com
