William Leslie Lovell

William Leslie Lovell “Bill”

Born May 20, 1949 to Thomas William Lovell and Alice Elvira Lannholm in Galesburg, IL. He was the 6th of 8 children born to his parents. Bill moved with his parents to East Peoria, IL where he grew up and graduated from East Peoria Community high school class of ‘68. He met the love of his life Bonnie Kathryn Webb in 8th grade. They married July 26, 1969. While life has not always been easy they have weathered it together for 56 years. God blessed them with 2 daughters, Larie Raynette and Ranessa Marie, who they loved fiercely.

Bill started working at Caterpillar Tractor Company after high school as a machinist. He then proudly served his country as an Air Force aircraft mechanic including time spent in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged as Sergent E4 in January 1973. He then returned to his position at CAT until he retired in 1999. When his “honey do” list got too long, he went back to work at Diamond Vogel Paint Company as a delivery driver for the metro Peoria area until his second retirement in 2015.

In his spare time, Bill loved to be in his wood shop and his family is blessed to have many pieces reflecting his talent. He would lend a hand to help friends and relatives any time he was asked. His best piece of advice ,out of many, was “Never start a plumbing project on a Sunday”.

He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie Kathryn Webb, 2 daughters Larie Barker (Jay) of Indianola, IA and Ranessa Jones (Brian) of Bloomington, IL. 5 Grandchildren: Kathryn Jones, Logan Barker (Lilly), Cailin Barker (Logan Gardner), Wyatt Jones and William Jones. 1 great grandchild: Draven Barker. 2 siblings: Sharon Kelly and Gary Lovell (Edie) both of Peoria, IL. Brother in laws: Silas Webb (Debbie), James Webb and Charles Hanson (Belinda). 2 sister-in-laws: Evelyn Lovell and Regina Walker(Patrick). In addition he had numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends that he loved and spoke to often.

He was preceded by his parents, 4 sisters: Alice MaryAnn Kelly, June Darlene Lovell, Nancy Carol Lovell, Diana Rose Lovell, 1 brother Thomas LeRoy Lovell, 2 brother-in-laws Oliver “Coot” Kelly and John Kelly. One beloved grandson Bryce Samuel Barker.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice in Bill’s name.