Billy Joe Wagner, 77 years old, passed away Friday, May 15th in Belleville, Illinois. Bill was a great husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy (nee Cox), his parents, Ernest Benjamin and Myrtle (nee Dilbeck), his brother John and sisters Anne and Martha.

Bill is survived by his wife, Lona, his sons, William (Andrea) and John (Sharon), grandchildren, Alyssa Medley (Ron) and Noah, great-granddaughter Amelia and his brother, Douglas, as well as children, Diana Hiebert (John), Debra Krohe (Allen), Tina Buchanan (Tim), grandchildren Kyden, Ellora, Kenna, Ean, Andrew, Alissa, Anna, Caleb, Eli, Elizabeth and great-granddaughter Rosie.

Bill loved God and family and was a friend to all, even those who he hadn’t met yet. He cared deeply for his family. He created safe and caring environments for his boys and their friends to grow up in, sharing knowledge, respect and love. Bill was overjoyed to be a grandpa and showered love and care onto his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In his later years he was lucky to again find love after loss and he enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm and love for family with a newly expanded and extended family. Bill truly lived a life of giving, always putting the needs and concerns of others ahead of his own. He was generous to a fault and willing to bring any needy soul under his wing. His loss will be felt by many, but his memory will forever strengthen the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.