Bill Degroot

William Lee “Bill” DeGroot, age 75 of Beardstown, died Sunday, March 19, 2017 at his home.

He was born March 9, 1942 in Canton, the son of Nelson and Dorothy Douglas DeGroot. He married Charlotte J. “Jody” Dixon on February 25, 1984 in Canton.

He is survived by his wife Jody DeGroot of Beardstown; six children William E. DeGroot of Canton, Lisa (husband John) McKeever of Canton, Alan D. (wife Edralene) of Missouri, Zoa A. (husband Kelly) List of Missouri, Stacey (husband Christian) Reyes of Beardstown, and Rebecca Sweeney of Beardstown; twelve grandchildren Serena, Sasha, Rachel, April, Basha, Alana, Aaron, Jacquelyn, Petey, Elizabeth, Raven, and Vincent; six great grandchildren Mason, Lyrica, Eamon, Parker, Benjamin, and Abigail; and his brother Kenny DeGroot of Canton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Brian (surviving wife Kim) Degroot, and two sisters Shirley and Maryanne.

Bill attended Canton Schools. He retired from Caterpillar in Mapleton after 30 years. After retirement, he worked as a greeter for Farm King, a floor guard for Skateland in Canton, and was also known to tinker with lawn mowers. Bill and Jody were foster parents and had the pleasure of being a parent not only to their children, but many others as well. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, collecting eagle artifacts, and archery. He loved being with his family but most precious to Bill was his grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 4:30 PM Friday, March 24, 2017 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown with Pastor Mike Courson officiating. The family will meet with friends from 4-4:30 PM Friday at the memorial home.

Memorials have been suggested to the family of Bill DeGroot.

Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.