William " Bill" David Gleason, 68, of Germantown hills, passed away at his residence at 9:34 p.m. on Friday, March 23, 2012 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family.
Bill was born March 19, 1944 in Peoria, Illinois to Peter & Stella ( Burchett) Gleason. He married Marla Aurbeck in Washburn, IL. September 1, 1973.
She survives, along with his children, Eric (Flor Polanco) of Scottsdale, AZ, Andy of Germantown Hills, and Jennifer of Colorado Springs, CO.; three sisters and three brothers.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, one son Todd, and an infant brother.
Bill was a decorated Vietnam Veteran having volunteered to serve for the U.S. Army in 1966. He completed basic training as a machine gunner at Fort Campbell, KY & Fort Irwin, CA. He deployed to Vietnam in 1966 serving on a Transportation Unit with company 1-19th Aviation Group. He then served with the 57th Air Assault Company until 1968.
He worked at Pabst, and at Ameren Cilco and Keystone as a certified welder. He retired in 2004. He was also a dedicated Volunteer Fire Fighter for Germantown Hills.
Bill loved spending time with his family & friends, enjoyed riding his motorcycle, helping others, and traveling. He lived life to the fullest.
Cremation rites will be accorded.
Memorial Services will be on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Peoria Heights. Visitation will be Monday Evening from 5-7 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, in Peoria.
Burial of ashes will take place at a later date at Fort Dever Cemetery, in Washburn, IL.
Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors or Community Workshop.
Visit Bill's story at www.Davison-Fulton.com.