William Metheny
Cottage Hills |
William "Bill" "Baby Babe" Metheny, peacefully went to see Jesus on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 5:35 pm at the age of 70 with his "bossy" sister May Kay Masterson by his side. Bill valiantly fought Mesothelioma cancer for 15 months. He was born in Alton to Ira "Babe" and Marie Metheny and grew up in "Little Italy" in Wood River, IL.
Following in his dad's footsteps, Bill was a welder by trade and a member of the Pipefitters and Plumbers Local #553. Bill was quite a character and lived his working life as we all wish we could, working six months then enjoying his hobbies for six months. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, watching old black and white TV shows, Wicked Tuna, Friday night wrestling, talking on the phone, and having an opinion on everything. He would often start out with, "I don't mean to tell you what to do, BUT" and his opinion would be given. Bill began hunting and commercial fishing with his dad when he was 5 years old. He would hunt and fish from the first day of Teal Season until the end of April. He hunted ducks and geese mostly in Calhoun County and deer and turkey in Pike county. He fished commercially in Illinois and Missouri. He often made his own fishing nets in his basement.
Bill also loved to garden, sometimes planting 100 watermelon and 100 cantaloupe, along with the normal tomatoes, peppers, okra, green beans, and zucchini. He took great pride in his produce and shared it with everyone. He canned and pickled some of them and even gave jars away for anyone who liked them. He was especially proud of his yellow watermelon, and he had 3 bites of one before his passing.
Bill is survived by his sister and Brother-in-law, Mary Kay and Sid Masterson; a niece, Wendy (Chad Harden Hodge); his great nieces, a nephew, John (Rachel) Masterson; and great nieces, Payten Harden, Harper Hodge, Kaylee Spanheimer, and Mandy Hart.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and aunts and uncles, Henrietta Bregenzer, Harold "Hank" and Susan Metheny, and Gertrude and Clarence Hale.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church on 111 in Brighton, IL. Immediately following Mass there will be a luncheon while Bill is transported to his final resting place at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto, Il. If you would like to accompany the funeral procession you are more than welcome, or you may remain at the Christian Life Center to eat and visit.
A special thank you to Morning Star Home Health Center for assisting with Bill's around the clock care. Kat, Donna, Cheryl, Ann, Cindi, and Jenny from Hospice of Southern Illinois for their support during his final days. And a special thanks to Dr. Meera Rana, Dr. Oberle, Juieta, Sara, Becky, Barb, and the team of St. Luke's Oncology and Dr. Waqar, Monica, Hailey, and the team from Washington University Oncology.
Memorials can be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois or to Marquette High School Scholar Bowl Team.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
