William Valentine

William B. Valentine

Age 81 of Morris, passed away peacefully Monday January 2, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born February 11, 1930 in Chicago, Bill was a son of the late Stanley and Margaret Pocewicz-Valentine. He was raised in Chicago and was a graduate of Chicago Vocational School. Bill honorably served in the United States Air Force for two terms during the Korean Conflict, and on January 28, 1956, married Sible M. Hudgens in Springfield, Tennessee. Bill was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris, where he was a former Boy Scout Leader and Sunday School Teacher. He worked as a Carpenter and retired from the Carpenters Local Union #174. Bill was an avid animal lover and enjoyed puzzles. He was a true Chicago sports enthusiast, following the Chicago White Sox, Bears, Bulls and especially the Blackhawks. Bill also found great pleasure in the Morris Redskins, especially when his grandchildren were playing. He will forever be remembered as a devoted family man, who truly cherished the times spent with his family.

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years Sible; children: Gerald (Rosie) Valentine of Liberal, Kansas, Daumont (Kelly) Valentine, Michael (Vicki) Valentine and William (Marcy) Valentine, all of Morris, Dean "Jeff" (Bonnie) Valentine of Channahon and Mary Wickens and Chad (Amy Dubrovich) Valentine, both of Morris; Grandchildren: Daumont (Jacquelyne) Valentine III, Meagan Valentine, Anna Valentine, Bryan Valentine, Brandon (Jordan Wilson) Valentine, Brenton (Kara Decker) Valentine, Marvin Valentine, Thomas Dabney, Andrew Peters, Rori Griffin, Gary Brecker, Jennifer Valentine, Jeffery Valentine, Garrett Valentine, Nicole (Robert) Rub, Candace Morin, Stephanie (Revell) Sizemore, Lucas Wickens, Lena Wickens, Alex Valentine, Scott Valentine, Chase Valentine and Moni Valentine; eleven great grandchildren; his daughter-in-law Wanda Valentine, and two sisters: Margaret Valentine of Chicago and Helen (the late Richard) Rothe of Chicago Ridge, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one son John Valentine; one grandson Sean Valentine; son-in-law Lee Wickens; two brothers: Arthur Valentine and Daumont Valentine and one sister Sylvia Valentine.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Wednesday January 4, 2012 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street (one block East of Illinois Route 47) in Morris. Funeral services will follow Thursday January 5th at 10:00AM in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 516 East Jackson Street in Morris, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

Pallbearers will be: Daumont Valentine III, Bryan Valentine, Brandon Valentine, Brenton Valentine, Jeffery Valentine and Alex Valentine.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Bill's memory to his family for distribution to local charities of their choosing.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris. (815/942-2500)