Robert Bruce Mcneil

Robert Bruce McNeil, 98, of Williamsville, passed away at 9:30am on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL.

Bruce was born July 16, 1922 in Worland, Wyoming, the son of Jeremiah Hamm McNeil and Verna Elizabeth Moore McNeil.  He married the love of his life, Mabel Grace Carter on October 31, 1944 at the Williamsville Christian Church.  They were blessed with 72 years of marriage before Mabel’s passing on January 25, 2017.

He graduated from Williamsville High School in 1940.  He was a pilot in the Navy during World War II, enlisting March 1943, receiving his wings July, 1943.  Bruce ran a bakery truck, worked for Royal Crown Cola and worked as an electrician for Bell Telephone for 35 years.

A longtime Cub fan, he enjoyed the outdoors, golfing with friends, gardening and could fix or repair anything from a splinter in a child’s finger to an electrical circuit.  He made many special gifts for friends and family from nativities to birdhouses. Bruce was a Boy Scout Leader for many years.  He was a proud member of the Williamsville Amvets, coordinating and placing flags to honor veterans at 3 Williams township cemeteries.  He was a volunteer along with Mabel delivering meals for Daily Bread, and a member of Lavely Masonic Lodge #786.  He enjoyed dancing with Mabel and traveling with their friends.  Bruce loved life, was a hard worker, a dearly loved father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister, Jean Hughes Kincaid and a brother, Clarence.

He is survived by two daughters, Stephanie (Pete) Pasero of Newton, IL, Peggy (Jim) Williamson of Sherman; and special nephew David (Kay) Carter of Williamsville; eight grandchildren: Spencer (Eileen) Pasero of Batavia, IL, Brian (Stephanie) Pasero of Nashville, IL, Robert (Beth) Pasero of Robinson, IL, Sam (Wendy) Williamson of Williamsville, Edward Williamson of Sherman, Stephanie (Matthew) Kietzman of Kalamazoo, MI,  Joshua (Carla) Carter of Williamsville,  Jennifer (Mike) Brennan of Williamsville and 13 great – grandchildren . He is also survived by several loved nieces and nephews .

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be no memorial services at this time.  Graveside services will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 1:00 PM with Rev. Gary Winkleman officiating.  Military honors will be performed by the Menard County Interveteran Burial Detail.

The McNeil family would like to thank the staff of the Villas of Sherman, where Bruce has resided for the past four years, for their loving care of him.  Also, thanks to the staff of Memorial Medical Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Williamsville Veterans Committee.  Checks may be made to Village of Williamsville, 141 W. Main, Williamsville, IL 62693, note on check “For Veterans’ Committee”; Williamsville Fire Department, 9850 S. Williamsville Road, Williamsville, IL 62693, note on check “For EMT.”

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.