Bill Eblen

ANNA, Ill. -- Bill Lee Eblen, 94, of Anna died peacefully at 6:46 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, at Illinois Veterans Home at Anna.

He was born Dec. 29, 1924, in Cairo, Illinois, to Elory "Teeny" and Virgil Jackson Eblen. Bill married Mary Ann Profilet on Aug. 31, 1966. She preceded him in death April 8, 2008.

As a young boy, Bill grew up in several towns as his father worked for a company that required him to move his family often. He graduated from Rock Island High School in 1943 and immediately joined the Marine Corps to proudly fight for his country in World War II. Bill served in the military for eight years, ending his career in the Air Force toward the beginning of the Korean War. After completing his military service, Bill built a career in sales, spending many years in the insurance business.

Bill loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, singing in the choir, serving as Eucharistic Minister, and was the initial Grand Knight of the Union County Knights of Columbus. He and Mary Ann loved to travel and started a small business "Mary Ann's Beans" they presented at craft shows throughout the region. His hobbies included golf and duck hunting and fishing. He served on the Union County Country Club Board of Directors and helped create 17 chapters of Ducks Unlimited. Bill loved animals, especially dogs, and supported PAWS and other animal shelters in the region. Those who knew Bill enjoyed hearing his jokes and limericks. Titles that Bill has had over the years include Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, family ear piercer, family driver ed teacher and "Something Blue." He was a passionate St. Louis Cardinals' fan and enjoyed watching every game on TV. At the Veterans Home, he took it as his mission to inspire and support his fellow comrades. On Oct. 1, Bill thoroughly enjoyed going on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC.

Bill is survived by his nieces, Nancy (Allan) Maly of Grinnell, Iowa, and Patricia (Jerry) Swaney of Lombard, Illinois; and nephew, James "Skip" (Debra) Schmulbach of Sachse, Texas. Bill is also survived by his brothers-in-law, John Profilet of Anna and Jim (Debbie) Profilet of Jackson; sisters-in-law Barbara Newbury of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Patricia (John) Sullivan of White Pigeon, Michigan, Marge (Bill) Harper of Owensboro, Kentucky, Janet Burkstaller of Englewood, Florida, Martha Ellen Lankheit of Charleston, Missouri, Kay Wild of Gainesville, Florida, Sara (Patrick) Lancaster of Germantown, Tennessee, Donna Profilet of Brentwood, Tennessee, Ginny (Tod) Ponting of Paducah, Kentucky, and Emilie (Kris) Martin of Cape Girardeau; several nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces; and many other relatives and friends. Bill is also survived by a special friend, Judy Edwards of Anna.

Besides his parents and his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Jo Schmulbach; daughter, Susan Eblen; and granddaughter, Annette Marie Eblen Smith.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., with a rosary prayed at 6:30 p.m., Friday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary 's Church, with Father Uriel Salamanca officiating. Interment will be at the Anna City Cemetery, with military honors accorded by the VFW's Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 of Anna and the Illinois Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Mary's Church, PAWS or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit rendlemanhilemanfh.com.