Bill Learnard

Bill Learnard, 81, of Georgetown, Illinois, passed away at his home on Monday, September 2, 2019. Bill was born September 16, 1937. He was the son of Elmer and Leone (Bentley) Learnard. They preceded him in death. Bill married, the love of his life, Elizabeth Learnard on April 7, 1984, and they remained married until her passing in 2015.

Bill leaves behind his children: Mark (Lori) Learnard, Scott (Kathy) Learnard, Clark (Theresa Lopez) Learnard, Blaine (Linda) Bensyl and Elizabeth (Tom) Dekker; eleven grandchildren: Andrew (Amy) McMillin, Melinda (Jaxon) Learnard, Kenton (Marissa) McMillin, Grace (Ross) Wilson, Lucas (Caitlin) Learnard, Sophie Bensyl, Madeline, Elaine, Gus, Tessa and Dutch Dekker; five great-grandchildren; one brother Ben (Karen) Learnard; and several nieces and nephews. Bill also leaves behind a special friend, Clara Howard, and his "best dog buddy", Eddie.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one daughter Lezlie Randall, and one granddaughter Megan McMillin.

Bill was a farmer all of his life, and he retired from GE. He enjoyed raising cattle, pitching fast pitch softball, bowling, and traveling. But, his biggest love was spending time with his family, and he would be the first to tell that to anyone. "Im so proud of everything my children and grandchildren do," Bill would say. Bill was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church, and he was active member in masonry, belonging to Olive Branch Lodge 38 and the Gao Grotto.

A celebration of Bills life will be held Saturday, September 7, 2019, at the Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Georgetown, Illinois, 200 East West Street, Georgetown, Illinois, at 10 a.m. Pastor Matt Filicsky will be officiating. Visitation will be Friday, September 6, 2019, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home with Masonic rites beginning at 3:30 p.m. The family has asked, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Fairview United Methodist Church, Georgetown, Illinois. Please join Bills family in sharing memories on his tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.