William Owen "Bill" Cole Sr., 82, of Bellevue, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, at Accolade Nursing Home in Peoria, Illinois.

Bill was born in Streator, Illinois, to John and Mary (Hallam) Cole and was one of eighteen children. He shared a special bond with his family throughout his life. He will be laid to rest in Streator alongside his brother, Carson C. Cole, who was not only his brother but also his best friend and lifelong partner in crime.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1965. Following his military service, he began a career at Caterpillar, where he dedicated 30 years of service before retiring. He was also a proud member of American Legion Post 979 in Bartonville.  Bill married Karen "Momma C' (nee Otto) on May 28, 1994; they shared 29 years together until she preceded him death in 2023.

A devoted Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan, Bill especially loved game day gatherings with family and friends. One of his proud ventures was owning a bar that he affectionately called "The Cole Mine."

Bill embraced life with enthusiasm and enjoyed many hobbies over the years, including riding motorcycles, bowling in numerous leagues, playing darts, shuffleboard, and card games. He was known for his larger-than-life personality, quick wit, singing, charisma, and ability to light up any room he entered. Wherever Bill went, people knew who he was and loved being around him.

He leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory: his children, William Cole Jr., Edward and Anita Cole, Brian and Rose Cole, Molly and Dane Cole, and Angelic Cole; his stepchildren, Jeff and Patti Nelson, Kelly Pearson Lavery, and Cheryl Miller; his grandchildren, Jessica, Matthew, Trent, Chawnee, Eric, Timmy, Nicki, Cody, Christian, Maverick, Merlin, Arthur, Emma, Nicholas, Zachary, Joshua, Ryan, Cole, Kayla and Christopher; as well as 28 great-grandchildren.

Bill's legacy of laughter, friendship, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched.

"Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts."

To honor Bill's wishes cremation rites will be accorded by Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory.  A celebration of life will be held for Bill at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington on Sunday, August 30, from 11 am- 1pm.  Military honors will be performed and a reception will follow at the Meadow Valley Center at Deiters Funeral Home.

Those who wish may leave memorials in Bill's name to the Greater Peoria Area Honor Flight.