Mr. William R. Crabill, 89, of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away Friday, May 18, 2012 at 5:30 PM at his home.

He was born south of LaHarpe, IL on Dec. 14, 1922 to Atlee F. and Irene Morgan Crabill. He rode a pony to Rossville School near LaCrosse, IL until 2nd grade and then to Shakerag School southwest of LaCrosse until eighth grade, graduating from LaHarpe High School in 1941 as Salutatorian. After a short stint at Brown's Business School in Burlington, IA, and an office position at IAAP in Burlington, he was drafted into the US Army and served in the Corps of Engineers stationed at Fort Belvoire, VA.

He married Lillian Reed, also a lifelong LaHarpe native on March 14, 1945. They have 5 living children: Melvin Dick (Linda) Crabill of Joplin, MO; Dian (Becky) Crabill of Carthage, IL;Bonnie (Alan)Stewart of LaHarpe, Cathy (Reinhard) Bergmann of Carthage and Maria (Becky) Crabill of Carthage. Also surviving are two sisters: Betty Gordon of Dunnigan, CA and Jean Purdy of LaHarpe, eight grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 4 step great grandchildren and 2 step great, great grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents, a stillborn son, Howard Robert, and a brother John F. Crabill.

Upon discharge from the Army, Bill worked a short time for Haeger Pottery in Macomb, IL He then farmed for about 18 years. Around 1964, he became the parts manager at Fred Gibb Chevrolet in LaHarpe. During this time he won several awards for his sales work.

Bill was a man who never liked to be idle and never knew a stranger. Later in life he attended college and became a licensed nursing home administrator and together with his wife owned and operated two sheltered care homes in LaHarpe, He also became a licensed insurance agent and EMT. He volunteered for the LaHarpe Ambulance Service for many years as EMT, driver and treasurer.

For several years he worked with the WIRC reclamation program having taught himself construction skills. As a project he built a a house and helped with another. He also worked on mission construction projects in Texas and on the Amazon River.Later he worked as a plumber's helper for Town and Country Service before retiring.

Througout his life, Bill was involved in Community Service. One of his first priorities was to his local church family, La Harpe Christian Church. Where over the years he served as deacon, elder, church planter, treasurer and discipleship team member.

A staunch advocate of local government, Bill served as Republican precinct committeeman and county board member. At the time of his death he had served as LaHarpe Township Supervisor since 1976.

He also served on the 911 board and the 708 board. He spent countless hours and miles educating and helping rural residents sign up for the Dallas Rural Water Project.

Bill coordinated the SHARE food program in LaHarpe from 1990-2000. For 6 years he and his wife hosted a monthly get together for senior citizens in the church. He was a member of the LaHarpe Senior Citizens club.

Bill is aptly described as a people person. He helped many families move, arranged tranportation for those in need and was always on the lookout for anyone new in the community so he could help them find a church home or register to vote. He never turned anyone away who needed help. Together Bill and Lillian have opened their home to countless people over the years for an overnight stay, a meal
or just a cup of coffee.

For over 40 years Bill was a blood donor. He was an avid Eagle, Thunder, Cyclone, Charger football fan at the local high school.

A praise service for the life of Bill Crabill will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at the LaHarpe Christian Church with Rex Huston and Nate McCarter officiating. Burial with Military Rites will be in the LaHarpe Cemetery. Friends may call after 4:00 PM Monday at the church where the family will meet with friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM, Monday. A memorial fund has been established for Scholarships to LaMoine Christian Church Camp, the LaHarpe Ambulance Service or LaHarpe Senior Center. Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe is assisting with arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.banksandbeals.com.