William Polson Obituary

PAXTON - William "Bill" Porter Polson Jr. of Paxton passed away at home Sunday (March 24, 2024). He was 92 years young.

Bill was born on Sept. 9, 1931, in Bellflower and graduated from Mansfield High School in 1949. After high school, he worked on the farm and was drafted by the Washington Senators Major League Baseball team before getting drafted into the Army.

Bill met the love of his life, Joann Magee, on a blind date in Bloomington. They married in 1956. They started their life together in rural Paxton, Dogtown, where they raised their five children, surrounded by laughter and love where all were welcome. After her loss in 2001, Bill met Janet Stites. They were devoted companions for 20 years.

He had an assortment of jobs, including helping his parents on their farm, being a milkman, working for Lehigh Paving and later starting his own asphalt paving company, and he retired as a union teamster member.

He was a member of Rantoul VFW Gung Ho Post 6750, Rantoul American Legion Post 287 and the United Methodist Church in Rankin.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joann; daughter Lisa; sisters, Jean Moyer, Mable Donaldson and Alice Murphy; and brothers Jack, Clifford and Ted Polson.

He is survived by his children Brad (Jeri) Polson of Paxton, Brenda (Michael) Fox of Paxton, Linda Polson Peeler of Buckley and Dennis (Jean) Polson of Paxton; nine grandkids; 13 great-grandkids; two great-great-grandkids; and his brothers Glen Polson and Jerry Polson.

Bill loved to spread joy to everyone in his life with music, prayer and nature. Singing while he played guitar was his passion! It was second nature to him. He also loved hunting, fishing, trapping, playing cards, horseshoes, Chicago Cubs baseball and, most of all, being with his family. He was so proud of his home and farm.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 28, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with Pastor Ashley Clifton officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton, with military honors by Rantoul American Legion Post 287. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church in Rankin or an organization of the donor's choice. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.