William Imel
Jerseyville |
William “Bill” Henry Imel Jr. of Jerseyville, Illinois passed away at his home on Saturday, March 9, 2024. He was born November 2, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, a son of the late William Henry Imel Sr. and Elsie Corrine (Howard) Imel. He attended Orchard Farm Grade School in Missouri and Wilbur Trimpe Junior High School in Bethalto. Bill graduated from Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto and later attended electrical engineering training at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey and also Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. The United States Army veteran proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a Spec 5 repair parts specialist. He had received numerous medals and recognitions including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Sharpshooter (Rifle) badge. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Susan (Basden) Imel and she survives. He had retired from Laclede Steel in Alton after many years of service as an electrician and was currently working for Lowes Home Improvement in Alton with 26 years of dedicated service as a sales associate in the Electrical department. He had served 10 years as a volunteer fireman with the Bethalto Fire Department. Throughout his life, he enjoyed his love to help and serve people. Bill had a love of sports, playing ball in community leagues, coached, served as a referee and had lettered in all sports during his high school days. He loved golf, bowling, softball, baseball, basketball and football and was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed following Cardinal’s spring training and was a whiz at sports analysis. He could answer any question you had about baseball from up and coming players or any trivia on any player or team that ever played. He could be found lounging around poolside and soaking up the sun in the summertime. He had so many friends and loved to kid around but his real love in life was his family. Bill remarried Linda on September 29, 2010, in Jerseyville and they enjoyed twelve more happy years together. He is also survived by a daughter, Stephanie Duncan and her two children, Samuel Reed Tanner, age 21, who is currently serving in Okinawa as a Marine Corporal in intelligence and Allie Duncan, age 11, who is a bowling and cheerleading phenomenon; his stepdaughter, Allyssa Basden and her daughter Paije (Dylan) Moore and their four children, Oaklyn Elaine Moore, age 4, Taelyn Alise Moore, age 3, Dylan Moore Jr., age 2 and his best buddy and mini-mee, Tyesenn Jacob Coleman, age 6, whom he shared a remarkable bond and love with. He was blessed and thanked God everyday for all of his grandkids and great grandkids who knew their papa loved them unconditionally. Bill also leaves behind his younger brother, Rick Imel. The boys were athletic, competitive and had a bond only brothers could have. Also, his aunt and uncle, Pat and Jack Howard, who he so highly regarded and respected; his brother-in-law, Ron Basden; his sister-in-law, Carol Basden; many cousins; nieces; nephews; other extended family; cherished co-workers and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
In celebration of his life, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. A private burial with full military honors will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. Irwin Chapel of Granite City is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be made online at www.irwinchapel.com.
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
