William “Bill” O. Pancake, 81, of Hoopeston, passed away Monday, October 28, 2024, at Iroquois Resident’s Home, in Watseka.

He was born on October 2, 1943, in Joliet, Illinois, the son of George and Gladyes Marie (Robinson) Pancake.  He married Brenda Thomas on August 31, 1974, in First Christian Church, in Milford.  She survives.

He is also survived by two children- James (Christie) Pancake and Jennifer (Melissa) Moyer both of Hoopeston; grandson- Michael Gummere of Zionsville, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters- Delores Oakley, Darlene Mann and Dorothy Thrasher, and brother- Eugene Pancake.

Bill graduated from Milford High School, in 1963.  He served in the United States Army, from 1965 to 1967, as a tank operator and drove the troop commander.  Bill began working at Vermilion Iron, in 1978, and worked there until his retirement in 2011.  He enjoyed reading western books, watching John Wayne movies and watching the WWE.  Bill loved a good home cooked meal and giving people a hard time.

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, with Pastor John Franklin officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home.  The family has asked everyone attending to wear their casual everyday clothes to honor Bill.  Following the services cremation rites will be arranged.  Memorials may be given to the family.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Bill’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.