William Hovendon

William Harvey “Bill” Hovendon, age 74 of Rushville, died Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville.

He was born November 10, 1941 in Beardstown, the son of George Newberry and Betty Louise Mitchell. He married Joann C. Wilson on June 23, 1962 in the home of Lottie Morrow in Beardstown.

He is survived by his wife Joann Hovendon of Rushville; his children Robert and Daniel Hovendon both of Beardstown, Sarah Hovendon of Rushville, and Vanessa “Gail” (husband Brad) Thompson of Minot, ND; eleven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one brother Don (wife Rita) Knowles of Fishook; and his adopted family Kevin Meara, Dillon Taggert, and Cody Thurman

He was preceded in death by his grandparents George and Mary Mitchell, his parents, his son William Hovendon, Jr, a grandson Malachi William, and a sister Kathy Turner.

Bill graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1959. Bill started his career working at the Coca Cola Bottling Plant and for the city of Beardstown. He later went to work at Oscar Mayer, and retired from Cargill in 2005. Bill was a member of First Christian Church of Beardstown and Beardstown Moose Lodge. In his younger years you could find him at Leo and Bud’s strumming his guitar. Fishing, Hunting and watching his beloved St. Louis Cardinals brought him so much joy. He was known as “Werewolf” for his CB handle and enjoyed the taste of all fried food especially fresh side sandwiches. Spending time with his grandkids brought him pure happiness. Bill always wore a contagious smile and would do anything for anyone.

A celebration of life will be held from 6-8 PM Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. There will be no burial.

Memorials have been suggested to Hope Blooms or American Cancer Society.

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