William E. Vickers

William E. Vickers, 94, of Zion, IL, passed away on May 15, 2018 at Rolling Hills Manor peacefully with close friends surrounding him. William will always be remembered for his gentle soul that lovingly touched the lives of everyone he met. He will be deeply missed.

William was born on June 9, 1923, in Los Angeles, CA, moved to Chicago that same year, moved to Waukegan in 1969, and was employed by the Waukegan Public Schools from 1967 to 1988 as Director of Special Education. Following retirement in 1988, he moved to Gurnee where he continued his life service to children with disabilities through the Council for Exceptional Children, Learning Disabilities of America, Board member to Happy Day Nursery, Lakeside Family Services, and the Little Fort Lions Club of Waukegan.

William spent three years in the Army during WWII, from 1942-1945. He served with the 24th Infantry Division as a Staff Sargent in Communications for the Hq. Co. 3rd Bn. 34th Infantry Regiment. He saw action in New Guinea, the Philippines, and was awarded a Bronze Star for his Battalions retake of Corridor.

William was a die-hard Cub fan since 1932, a founding member of the Waukegan Little Fort Lions Club and a life member of the Council for Exceptional Children. He served as Governor at Large for CEC, and was President for both Chicago and Lake County Chapters of CEC.

William had several loves: the handicapped child, his friend and partnership with Robert E. Abbott, Joyce M. Meyer, Stoney Jones, his professional friends in Waukegan, and lastly “my poor okay Chicago Cubs”.

He was preceded in death by his mother Gertrude, sister Helen Clifford, brother Robert, and nephew Thomas P. Clifford. He is survived by niece Patricia (Tony) DiCicco, Estero, FL; niece Kathleen (Brian) Oman, McHenry, IL; second cousin Donald (Patricia) Mattes, and Marilyn Remier.

Memorial visitation will be held at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N Cemetery Rd in Gurnee on Sunday, May 20, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service and Military Honors taking place at 4:30 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 15000 Wadsworth Rd in Wadsworth, IL on Monday, May 21, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.

Contributions can be made to the Little Fort Lions, c/o Frank Kuzmickus, 5562 Hilltop Lane, Libertyville, IL 60048.

His family wishes to thank the entire staff at Rolling Hills Manor and Seasons Hospice staff for their loving care.

For funeral info: 847-336-0127 or www.marshfuneralhome.com