William Donald “Bill” Harrill, son of William Lafayette “Bill” and Clara Belle (Peterson) Harrill, was born June 20, 1930, near Falcon, and departed this life on April 23, 2023, at the age of ninety-two years.
He was united in marriage with Vera Lee Mitchell on Nov. 8, 1951, and together they shared 71 years of love and laughter while raising their four children.
Bill served in the United States Navy on the destroyer U.S.S. Benham during the Korean War. Bill earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Missouri School of Mines, now Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla. He worked for Sinclair Oil Company in Independence, Kan.,; later for Atlantic Richfield Oil Company in Chicago, Tulsa, and Los Angeles; and for Alyeska Pipeline in Anchorage and Valdez. After working for Alyeska as part of the crew that built the communications system for the Alaska pipeline, he retired to the family farm and raised cattle.
Bill and Vera always made it a point to find a church home every place they lived. He was saved and baptized at Antioch Baptist Church, Lebanon, Missouri.
He enjoyed fishing for salmon and halibut while in Alaska. He played baseball and softball, and was a very good softball pitcher. He liked to play cribbage and rook. Bill worked hard because he liked to work and to provide for his family. He taught them the importance of sheer stubbornness. He worked hard to keep the farm a place the family could come, spend time, and make lasting memories.
Bill is survived by: his wife, Vera of Lebanon; children: Bruce Harrill and wife Madonna of Laquey; Joy Thompson and husband Randy of Anchorage; Sherri Harrill of Lebanon; and Sandy Harrill and wife Deborah of Philadelphia; grandchildren: Arthur Harrill and partner Amy Berry, Chancey Thompson and wife Marianne; Cody Thompson and partner Ashley Brevak; and Mitchell Harrill-Wright; great grandchildren: Harry and Clara Thompson; brother: Stanley Harrill and wife Debbie of Lebanon; sisters: Linda Harrill of Lebanon; Gloria Lackey of Bessemer City, N.C., and many more relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Tommy and Howard; two sisters, Peggy Palmer and Ree McElvaney.
He was deeply loved and will be forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
A memorial service for William “Bill’’ Harrill will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel. Burial will be in Goodwin Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Navy. Visitation will be at 5 p.m. Friday at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel. Memorials have been suggested to Lebanon Art Guild. Donations may be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, 1001 N. Lynn or P.O. Box 948, Lebanon, Mo. 65536.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
