William Ames
Godfrey | Save
William (Bill) Henry Ames Sr., age 83, of Godfrey, passed away Friday, April 24, 2026, at Mercy Hospital.
He was born on July 19, 1942 in Wood River, IL the son of Lester W. and Ida (Dossett) Ames.
He married Elizabeth (Betty) Miller on October 8th, 1967 in Alton and she survives.
Bill proudly served in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant. He worked for over 40 years as an Electrician at Olin Corp before retiring. He was a longtime member of Emmanuel Free Methodist Church, where he led the “Helping Hands” for several years. Bill was an avid runner who earned the nickname “Amazing Ames” while competing. He was passionate about fishing and camping and frequently took his wife, children, and grandchildren on memorable trips. Bill took great pride in beautifying and maintaining his property, which kept him active and brought him joy. He also enjoyed restoring and working on his classic 1961 Ford Falcon street drag car and running it at Gateway International Raceway.
In addition to his wife, Betty; Bill is survived by a son and his wife, Bill and Patty Ames; four grandchildren, Krista Ames, Beth Ames, Cassie Ames, and Mark Ketchem; three great-grandchildren, Liam Ames, Jason Ketchem, and Freya Shank; and his cat, "Kitty", who followed him around everywhere.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Lester Ames in 2014; and a sister, Lois Jackson.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, Illinois.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 10:00 am in the funeral home chapel.
Burial will take place in the Valhalla Memorial Park with Military Burial Rites by Alton VFW #1308.
Memorials are suggested to Emmanuel Free Methodist Church.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
