William E. "Bill" Hays

William E. "Bill" Hays, age 76, of Oquawka, Illinois, passed away at 9:05 PM on Monday, February 22, 2021 at Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa. He was born June 4, 1944 in Monmouth, Illinois, the son of Delven William and Eula Grace (McPherren) Hays. Bill was educated in the Oquawka Schools, attending G&O High School and graduating from Union High School. Bill proudly served his Country in the United States Army as a combat engineer during the Vietnam Conflict. On March 15, 1975, he married Marilee S. Lubke in Gladstone, Illinois and she is surviving. For most of his career, Bill worked for J.I. Case in Burlington, Iowa. He had previously worked at Butler Manufacturing in Galesburg, Illinois. He was a member of Faith Bible Church in Oquawka. Bill loved reading, tinkering with small engines, woodworking, and "pranking" his friends and family, and watching his children play sports when they were younger. As a man of faith, he enjoyed reading his Bible. Mostly, Bill loved his grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife Marilee of Oquawka, Illinois, two daughters, Melanie Williamson of Oquawka, Illinois and Stacey (Eric) Beaulieu of East Moline, Illinois, one son, Jeremy (Mindy) Hays of Lampasas, Texas, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one sister, Judy (Ron) Norman, and two brothers, David (Elizabeth) Hays and Delven C. (Betty Jean) Hays. Bill is preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law Richie Williamson.

A funeral service is planned for 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Friday, February 26, 2021 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, Illinois. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, masks will be required and social distancing should be practiced. Cremation will be accorded after the service. A memorial fund is being established for Faith Bible Church in Oquawka, Illinois.

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