Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Bill Britton

Jul 14th, 1939 - Oct 13th, 2019

     William Dale "Bill" Britton Sr., age 80, of Iola, Illinois, passed away early Sunday morning, October 13, 2019, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, in the care of his beloved family.

     He was born July 14, 1939, in Hoosier Township, the son of Allen Guy and Wanda G. (Rinehart) Britton.  He married Alice Jane Reuter on January 18, 1958, in the parsonage of the Louisville United Methodist Church, and they have shared 61 years of marriage together.

     Bill was a lifetime oilfield man, running rigs and operating CAT heavy equipment for several oil producers including Reid, Strickland, and Shelby Britton. He had also been part owner of Dependable Well Service of Fairfield and part owner of B B & W Inc., an oilfield service in Farina with his grandson, Jeremy, and son-in-law, Rick.  He also did some farming.  He loved hunting and net fishing, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.  He especially enjoyed trips along country roads, and having his loyal dog companion, Sparky, by his side.  Bill was a member of Red Brush Christian Church since 2003, and in November 2018 he took part in a re-baptism ceremony in affirmation of his faith in Christ.  He will affectionately be remembered for the love he shared with his family, and the cherished time he spent with them.

     Bill is survived by his wife:  Alice Britton of Iola; 4 children: William Dale Britton Jr. (Brenda) of Louisville, Lewis Allen “Bud” Britton (Charlene “Willie”) of Iola, Mona Barber (Everett “Rick”) of Flora, and Kathy Wildbur (Mike) of Iola; 7 grandchildren: Jeremy (Kelli), Amber (Marc), Josh (Ashley), Joni (Chris), Cory, Ashley, Malachai (Casey), and 1 stepgrandchild: Dana (Gary); 13 great-grandchildren: Ty, Hunter, Case, Isabella, Marshall, Levi, Treyden, Addyson, Karter, Makayla, Jade, Reese, and Maya; 4 brothers: Darrell Britton (Melba) of Clay City; John Britton (Bonnie) of Louisville, Shelby Britton of Clay City, and Robert Britton (Sue) of Louisville; and a number of nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Francis Wayne Britton, and an infant brother: Donald Eugene Britton; and 3 nieces and a nephew: Barb, Janet, Carol Jo, and Roger.

     A funeral ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019, at Red Brush Christian Church in Louisville.  Interment will follow in Iola Cemetery.  Visitation will begin at the church at 1 p.m. and continue until the time of service.  Memorial donations are suggested to the Red Brush Christian Church Expansion.  Arrangements are in the care of Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  To share a memory or condolence, visit: www.frankandbright.com