Robert Bruce Mcneil
d. January 7, 2021
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.
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Posted January 7th, 2021 at 10:30 pm
I was saddened to read of the loss of Bruce. He was such a kind and pleasant person. I will always remember the times Bruce and Mabe would come into “End of the Rainbow” to order flowers. Their pleasant personalities and Bruce’s teasing were often the highlight of my day. Bruce is at peace now and together again with Mabe. May he rest in peace. Walt and I send our deepest sympathy
Posted January 8th, 2021 at 10:42 am
Deepest sympathy to Peggy and Stephanie and families. What a wonderful person! I know he will be missed but he sure will be welcomed at his next stop.
Love and blessings,
Rhinda
Posted January 8th, 2021 at 5:23 pm
Bruce was a lifetime friend. He was my neighbor while we lived in Williamsville and we remained friends all these years. I always saw Bruce as a man who loved Jesus, his wife Mabel, his family, friends and his hometown of Williamsville. He will be missed.
Posted January 8th, 2021 at 8:38 pm
Bruce was a one of a kind type of guy. He was a terrific husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He has been a wonderful friend to me for all of the time that I have been on earth. I will miss him as much as I have missed Mabel for the past few years. I am sure that they are happy to be reunited. As they always said, Love ya! and I will add miss you both!! Love and sympathy to the family.
Posted January 9th, 2021 at 7:59 am
Very sorry for your loss. Bruce was a special person and will be greatly missed
Posted January 9th, 2021 at 12:06 pm
Please accept my deepest sympathy. He will be missed, but remembered fondly.
Sincere condolences,
Renee Shearl Melgoza
Posted January 10th, 2021 at 1:07 am
I am so sorry to hear this news. Your whole family is in my prayers. Bruce was a very special man. Although I only knew him for his last two months, he truly left a lot of good memories with me. I’ll cherish the opportunity to get to know him, take care of him, and to even watching TV with him in his room, forever. He’ll be missed dearly, but I know he’s happy to be reunited with his wife.
Lots of Prayers, -Brandon
Posted January 10th, 2021 at 3:07 pm
What a sweet, kind, fun man Bruce was!! He and Mabel (and Lucille and Pat) were like second parents to me!! I can still hear the laughter of mom and dad and Bruce and Mab ringing through the house. What an absolute delight Bruce was!!! I remember his incredible train set he’d always let us go down and admire. And one of the most special items I have from Moms passing is a beautiful nativity set that Bruce had made for my parents. It was lovingly displayed at our farm house for Christmas.
As hard as it is for us to lose our parents I have complete confidence and joy in knowing they are all together in heaven…..laughing and dancing once again. May everyone in the family know we love you dearly and know that the incredible memories you have will ease your sadness.
Posted January 10th, 2021 at 8:55 pm
We were golfing friends with Bruce and Mabel. Bill worked with Bruce
for quite a few years. We enjoyed them so much. We have known the
McNeils for many years. We have missed Mabel and we will be missing
Bruce. From one sailor to another, remember old sailors never die, they
just sail away.
Posted January 11th, 2021 at 4:35 pm
Bruce was one of the Greatest Generation. He was a gentle, kind interesting man. His devotion to Mabe was so heartwarming. We need more Bruce MsNels in this world. Condolences to his family. He will be missed in our community.
Posted January 13th, 2021 at 11:21 am
Bruce and Mabel were two of the nicest people we ever had the pleasure of knowing. Played golf with them , also loved watching them dance. We had a very enjoyable visit with him not too long ago. He always had a smile on his face! He will be missed. Don & Ruth Ann Cox