William J. Biddle, Jr., 84, of Little York, IL, passed away at 7:25 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at his home.
Bill was born January 30, 1936, in rural Monmouth, IL, the son of William J. Sr. and Irma A. (Bodenstadt) Biddle. He raised and educated in Little York and graduated from Little York High School in 1954.
He married Margaret “Lucille” Gavin at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Aledo, IL on June 5, 1954; she survives.
Bill farmed with his father for many years and later on his own; he also worked at Dekalb Seed. Bill was a supervisor for the Illinois Dept. of Transportation for a number of years. He also worked at Wilson Foods for 19 years, and the Iowa Ordinance Plant for 10 years. Bill enjoyed playing softball on the Little York Aces in his earlier days. He loved his time at home with his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his dog, Jordy.
Surviving Bill is his wife of over 65 years, Lucille Biddle of Little York, IL; two daughters, Debbie Donahue of Rock Island, IL, Vickie (Keith) Niemeier of Pocahontas, IL; four grandchildren, Michael I. Donahue of Lincoln, IL, Haley (Joe) Miller of Leroy, IL, Mollie (Jerry) Gossett of Chatham, IL, Jesse (Abbey) Hawkins of Leroy, IL; seven great-grandchildren, Liam, Logann, and Lennon Gossett, Lucy and Leo Hawkins, Scarlett and Sutton Miller. Also surviving are two brothers, Howard (Lorraine) Biddle of Joy, IL, Randy (Pam) Biddle of Little York, IL; three sisters, Bettye Leonhart of Viola, IL, Maxine (Bill) Melton of Galesburg, IL, Sharon (Ron) Hank of Aledo, IL; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant twin daughters, Jonilynn and Jeannie Lea, and son-in-law, Mark Donahue.
A private family graveside service will be at Cedar Creek Cemetery, Little York, IL. No public visitation is planned. Memorials can be made to the William J. Biddle, Jr. Memorial Fund. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
