William R. "Bill" Newgent

William R. “Bill” Newgent, 102 years young, of Fairview Heights, IL, born on August 7, 1918 in East St. Louis, IL, was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, February 4, 2021.

Bill retired after 45 years as a District Sales Manager for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. Before starting his career in railroading, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army AirCorps from 1942-1945 during World War II. 

Bill was an active member of the Edgemont Bible Church for many years. In recent years, he has attended the Winstanley Baptist church in Fairview Heights.

Bill had a great passion for people and for his community. He served one term as an alderman for the City of Fairview Heights. He was later appointed as the Executive Director of the Fairview Hts. Chamber of Commerce. He continued his working career as a greeter at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd. in Fairview Heights. Well into his 90s, Bill continued his community service, serving as a trustee for the French Village Fire Department.  

Bill was a long-time member of the O’Fallon Illinois Chapter of the Toastmasters International. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed working outdoors on home projects.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William R. and Adabelle, nee Ballard Newgent; and his siblings, Vernabelle Miller, Marion McElligott, Jack Newgent, and Hadley Newgent.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Lorraine L. Newgent, nee Brown; his children, Deborah A. (Dan) Carter of Springfield, IL, Marcia J. (Dirk) Van Beek of Frankfort, IL and William C. “Bill” (Jill) Newgent of Millstadt, IL; his grandchildren, Erin (Jarrod) Darling, Brian (Allison) Field, Tiffany (Matt) Triemstra, Drew (Allison) Newgent, Daniel (Lisa) Newgent, David (Jessica) Newgent, and Derek Newgent; 7 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bill’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Cedarhurst Assisted Living and Memory Care of Waterloo, IL for the care and compassion they have shown for Bill and Lorraine during the past five years they have called that home.

Memorials may be made to The Cedarhurst Assisted Living and Memory Care of Waterloo, IL or the Winstanley Baptist Church of Fairview Heights, IL.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL with Rev. Timothy Gipson officiating.  Interment will be held in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.  

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