COUNCIL #754 - REV MONSIGNOR CHARLES B MOTSETT REMEMBERS
WILLIAM "WHISKEY BILL" DEAN GILBREATH

 

DANVILLE – William "Bill" Dean Gilbreath, 86, of Danville passed away at home 4:54 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 13, 2018).

Bill was born in Hegeler on Aug. 17, 1931, the son of Clyde and Pansy Gilbreath. On Oct. 3, 1953. Bill married Marie "Connie" Constantini; she survives.

Bill is also survived by his sister, Nancy Bishop; three sons, Steven Gilbreath, David (Laura) Gilbreath and Michael (Terri) Mahakian; six grandchildren, April Gilbreath, Magen (Kevin) Wilson, Stacy Gilbreath, Jonathan Gilbreath, Mike Mahakian and Jeff Mahakian; nine great-grandchildren, Taylor Gilbreath, Kieran Gilbreath, Declan Gilbreath, Jackson Wilson, Samuel Wilson, Alexander Wilson, William Wilson, Caroline Gilbreath and Hayden Mahakian; and six godchildren.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Kenneth (Dorothy) Gilbreath, Raymond (Jeannie) Gilbreath and Jack Gilbreath; sister, Marjorie (John) Camp; brother-in-law, Terry Bishop; and niece, Betty Lee Gilbreath.

Bill was a graduate of Westville High School and later worked 39 years at General Motors. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and a member of the American Legion Post 51 in Westville.

Bill was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Danville. Bill also was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, as well as a member of the Illinois and Indiana Umpire/Referee Association. Bill ended his officiating career being home plate umpire in the movie "The Babe."

Bill volunteered at the VA for many years and participated in the local neighborhood watch. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, baseball, basketball golf, and bowling.

Bill was a loyal fan to the St. Louis Cardinal baseball team.

Also known to many as "Whiskey Bill," he met many people over his many years and there is no doubt he will be deeply missed by all his friends and family.

Bill enjoyed his life with family and best buddy Wayne Bryant. And especially his lifelong best friend, his wife of 64 years: "Hey Con" Love You!

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, 2018, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 444 E. Main St., Danville. Burial will be in St. Peter and Paul in Westville. Military rites will be performed by American Legion Post 51. Visitation will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lakeview School of Nursing Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.