William Colyer

McCLURE, Ill. -- William E. Colyer, 73, of McClure died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Aug. 21, 1939, in Cape Girardeau, to Emanuel and Wilma Rogers Colyer. He and Mitzi Flowerday were married July 8, 1961, in Seward, Neb. They had been married 52 years.

William served his country in the U.S. Air Force.

He was a member of East Cape Baptist Church. He had been president of Shawnee High School Board, member of East Cape Levee and Drainage District,

McClure-East Cape Water District, Co-op Board, Farm Bureau Board, McClure-East Cape Fire Department Board, American Legion Post 900 treasurer, a 4-H leader, MFA Board and a third-generation farmer (40 years).

Survivors include his mother, Wilma Colyer of McClure; wife, Mitzi Colyer of McClure; a son, U.S. Navy Capt. Timothy (Cathie) Colyer of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; a son, Randy (Angie) Colyer of McClure; a daughter, Lori (Brad) Pender of McClure; a brother, Ron Colyer of Columbia, Ill.; a sister, Peggy Evans of Phoenix; six grandchildren, Trenton, Austin, Sean, Casey, Kristen and Caitlyn.

He was preceded in death by his father.

A private family visitation will be today at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

A public graveside service will be at 1 p.m. today at Lindsey Cemetery in McClure, with the Revs. Raymond Oxford and Dan Miller officiating. Military rites will be conducted by Illinois National Guard and Anna VFW.

Memorial contributions may be given to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.