Bill E. Dearman Jr.

He was born Aug. 14, 1942 in Peoria. He was raised by Don and Bertha (Marquardt) Paschal.They preceded him in death along with one brother-in-law, Richard Hill. He married Colleen Hill on November 26, 1964, she survives.

Survivors also include one daughter, Michelle (Joe) Higgs of Farmington, one son, Dr. Scott (Jill) Dearman of Dunlap, and four grandchildren: Alec (Mallory) Higgs, Eric Higgs, Levi Dearman, Delaney Dearman, and one brother, Donald Paschal.

Bill was a United States Navy veteran serving during the Cuban Crisis. Following his time in the military, Bill worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 32 years retiring in 1994. Bill then was a Personal Trainer at the Peoria YMCA until its closing then was a School Bus driver for East Peoria District 309.

He enjoyed hunting, playing tennis, and spending time with his family. Bill coached several softball teams including travel ball, assistant coach at Metamora, and one year as an assistant at Bradley University.

He was a member of St Peters Lutheran Church in East Peoria.

Per Bill’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be Thursday June 2, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services.

Memorials may be made to the Peoria Honors Flight program.