William Snell

THEBES, Ill. -- William Woodrow Snell, 77, of Thebes passed from this world Sunday, March 2, 2014, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Oct. 15, 1936, to Woodrow Wilson and Ollie Marie Simmons Snell at their home on Bean Ridge Road. He and Doris Holshouser were married May 11, 1957.

Bill went to school at McClure and graduated from Shawnee High School in 1956.

He served briefly in the United States Air Force, receiving a medical discharge in 1956.

Bill had worked at Patrick Furniture, Hutson's Furniture, Kinder Carpet Installation, was a quality inspector at Trojan Powder Plant, and retired from Southern Illinois University after 16 years of service.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, working on things and riding his four-wheeler. He liked watching and listening to Cardinals baseball. Bill liked talking to and helping people, and he was a very caring and supportive person. He enjoyed the weekly Sunday lunches with his children and grandchildren.

Loving survivors include his wife, Doris Snell; three sons, Steven Snell of Cape Girardeau, Kevin Snell of Jackson and Richard Keith Snell of Cape Girardeau; a daughter and son-in-law, Patti and Billy Mercer of Fruitland; five grandchildren, Caitlyn, Triston, Hannah, Dylan and Casey Snell; a brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Imajean Snell of Carbondale, Ill.; many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Special thanks to Tammy Hill, Gary Prater, Deb Davidson and the staff at Southeast for their help and support.

The world has lost a warrior, but heaven has gained an angel.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Burial will be in Lindsey Cemetery at McClure, Ill.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Diabetes Association, 10820 Sunset Office Dr., Suite 220, St. Louis, MO 63127.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.