William Francis "Bill" Matthews

September 10, 1936 - February 21, 2019

William Francis “Bill” Matthews, 82, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 3:27 P.M. Thursday February 21, 2019 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born September 10, 1936, in Danville, IL, the son of Elwood G. and Frances (Turner) Matthews. He married Margaret Wood on September 15, 1956, at the Rossville United Methodist Church. She survives in Rossville. He is also survived by two daughters, Sally (Larry) Martin of Kingman, IN and Janet (Gary) Gernand of Alvin, IL; one son, William K. (Denise) Matthews of Rossville, IL; 6 grandchildren, Matthew (Amy) Brown, Sarah (Ross) Ginter, Samantha (Craig) Kixmiller, Greg Matthews, Jenna Gernand, and Mark Gernand; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. William farmed the family farm until his retirement in 2017. He served in the United States Army from March 1956 – December 1957. He also served on the Ross Township Cemetery Board for over 40 years. William enjoyed oil painting, riding his motorcycle, mowing the yard, and attending flea markets. A visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Monday February 25, 2019 at the Rossville United Methodist Church 116 Maple St. Rossville, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:00 P.M. Monday at the church, with Pastor Chris Quick officiating. Burial will follow in Mann’s Chapel Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society 2509 S. Neil St. Suite 1, Champaign, IL 61820 or the Rossville Historical Society 108 W. Attica St., Rossville, IL 60963.