William Mueller

Bill was born on May 23, 1912 in Aberdeen, SD, the son of William A. & Ada Enloe Mueller. He married Esther Louise Gray, in Decatur, on May 9, 1936. She preceded him in death on Oct. 1, 1974.Survivors include son William and wife Sharon of Chatham, NJ, son Jay and wife Lois of Monticello, IL, daughter Sue Farr and husband Tim of Greenville, SC, nine grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Annalee Karloski (Walter) of Decatur, Bonnie Griffin (Al) of Cedar Rapids, IA and Alma Miller of Lebanon, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Esther, and one grandson.Bill was Cost Supervisor at Mueller Co. in Decatur until retiring in 1977 after forty-two years. He was a faithful member of Mound Chapel Church of God for the past 77 years. Bill joined the Decatur Kiwanis Golden K in 1987 and volunteered over 3,000 hours until his health forced him to retire from community service in 2005. In 2002 the Decatur Sertoma Clubs presented Bill both the Decatur and District Service to Mankind Awards for outstanding volunteer service to the community. Bill was also heavily involved in the Macon County Historical Society, Easter Seals Central Illinois, Special Olympics and Millikin University Athletic Programs.Perhaps the best part of Bills life began at the age of twelve when he joined the Boy Scouts of America and helped organize his local troop in Aberdeen, SD. He became an Eagle Scout in 1929 and was an Assistant Scoutmaster for three years before coming to Decatur. Bill became active in the Lincoln Trails Council in 1935, serving in various capacities through World War II until he organized and became Scoutmaster of Troop 11 in 1949. He continued as Scoutmaster until 1960. Bill continued to serve the local council in various capacities and served on the national staff of several National Jamborees until the age of 90. In 1957, Bill received the Silver Beaver award, the highest honor a local council can award. In 2003, he was presented with the Boy Scout 75 year service pin.Besides being an avid Die Hard Cubs Fan, Bill was a fan of all sports involving area youth. He was a familiar figure at Millikin University and area high school athletic events both home and away.Visitation will be Friday, April 30, 2010 from 6-8 PM at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday May 1, 2010 at Mound Chapel Church of God, 109 Manchester Dr, Decatur, with the Rev. C. Q. McMillion, officiating. Burial will be in Macon County Memorial Park, Harristown, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Boy Scouts of America Lincoln Trails Council or Mound Chapel Church of God.--God put me on earth to serve othersI cant hear, but I am the most fortunate guy in the world. Bill Mueller "
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