William "Bill" Bex

William Lee “Bill” Bex, 68, of Palestine, IL, died Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at his home in Palestine. He was born December 30, 1947 in Robinson, IL, the son of Ray C. Bex & Margaret Badgley Bex. Ray preceded Bill in death on June 7, 1982 and Margaret followed Bill in death on February 4, 2016. He is survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Bobby & Amanda Wilkins (Park Rapids, MN); by his grandchildren, Kiergon Wilkins and Gannon Wilkins; by his siblings & their spouses: Sally & Lanny Hoke (Palestine, IL), Dottie Bex (Palestine, IL), and Joseph & Linda Bex (Nixa, MO); as well as by several nieces and nephews. Bill was a 1966 graduate of Palestine High School. From there, he went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Back home, he took on a number of jobs before becoming a truck driver. He drove cross-country for years before his health forced him into early retirement. In his free time, Bill could be found woodworking, listening to blues music, or most importantly, watching Chicago Bears football, Chicago Bulls basketball, and Chicago Cubs baseball. A dual visitation will be held alongside his mother, Margaret Bex from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Monday, February 8th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will follow and will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to COTA (Children's Organ Transplant Association) in honor of Gannon Wilkins, Bill’s grandson, who is awaiting heart transplant. Visit www.COTAforGannonW to donate, or checks can be made payable to 'COTA' noting in memo of check 'In honor of Gannon Wilkins'.