State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, January 3, 2008

MANITO - William "Bill" H. Meyer, 80, of Manito, formerly of Springfield, died at 8:02 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008, at Pekin Hospital.

He was born Jan. 4, 1927, in Browning, the son of Virgil and Ethel Orwig Meyer. He married Sharon Lippert on Jan. 4, 1963, in Springfield, and she survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Ruth (Joe) Powers of Hamilton, Mo., and Valerie VanEtten of Manito; two sons, Robert Meyer of Chicago and John Meyer of Manito; two sisters, Judy Logsdon of Beardstown and Glenna (Ronald) Cox of Browning; five grandchildren, Dominick (Misty) Walker of Palmyra, Mo., Angela (Matt) Hughes of Hamilton, Mo., and Trevor Hipsher, Amanda Hipsher and Taggart VanEtten, all of Manito; and four great-grandchildren.

A sister, Betty Lewis, and a grandson, Christopher Walker, preceded him in death.

Bill was a pilot for over 45 years, last working for Aero Charter Airlines in Springfield, retiring in 1993. He was a World War II Navy war veteran. He belonged to the Slip and Skid Flying Club in Springfield and was a former member of the Manito-Forest City Optimist Club.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at Maas Funeral Home in Manito with Rev. Richard Seed officiating. Military services will be conducted by the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team and the U.S. Navy following the committal service at the cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until time of services Saturday at the funeral home. Internment will be in Meadow Lawn Cemetery in Manito.

Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or American Diabetes Association.

Contributed by Sara Hemp