Retired Pastor William J. Ellsworth went home on August 16, 2018. Bill was born in July of 1932 in Granite City, Illinois. He proudly served on the USS Donner on “Operation Sumac” and was a Navy veteran of the Korean War era. After service he worked as a carpenter, cabinet maker, welder, baker and cabinet shop owner in Granite City. During these years he also played slow pitch softball, coached youth baseball teams, bowled, raised a family and served God.

In 1974 Bill was called to full-time ministry and the adventure began. Bill served as Minister of Music and Youth to several churches in Illinois: Grace, Calvary, Anna Heights, 1st Baptist of Vandalia and Maplewood Park Baptist Church. He sang with The Singing Churchmen and Singing Illinoisans, led Revivals, and conducted Senior Adult, Youth and Worship Conferences. Bill also led Mission trips to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota where he eventually served as Pastor and Missionary to the Lakota Sioux, whom he loved. He continued his call as Pastor to churches in the MetroEast at Towerview, Gateway, First Smithton, Villa Hills, Spring Valley and others.

In ‘retirement’ Bill gardened, fished and served as Interim Pastor whenever called. Bill is survived by the love of his life for 67 years, Marge Ellsworth and his daughters Terry (Harold) Hughes and Marjean(Mark) Shofner, six Grandchildren Matt Hughes (Lori), Vicki Hughes, William Shofner and Jaci Shofner, and Mrs. Nicole Fitzhugh (Michael) and Nick McSpadden (Christine) and five Great-Grandchildren, Mrs. Ashley Gray (Clayton), Rachel and Luke Hughes, and Sadie and Evan Fitzhugh, his brother-in-law David (Suzanne) McSpadden whom he considered a son. He is also survived by his sister, Lois Jean, her children and their families. Bill leaves a legacy of many who called him ‘dad’, friend and mentor. He lived his life by Proverbs 3:4 & 5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Bill did trust, served the Lord, and loved others, and it made all the difference in his life. Well done, Bill. Well done.

Internment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on September 7th at 1:30 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held on September 8th at First Baptist Church, Fairview Heights, Illinois. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 with the Service immediately following at 11 a.m. The family wishes special thanks and blessings to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers of the VA hospice, the VA doctors and nurses for their care throughout the years. Also thanks to Vitas Hospice, Cedar Ridge Health Center workers, and the workers and nurses of Sycamore Village. Great love and gratitude to the family and friends at First Baptist Church, Fairview Heights, Illinois for their love and care to Bill and Marge.