Mr. William A. Housewright, 85, of LaHarpe, IL passed away at 7:05 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2014 at the LaHarpe-Davier Health Care Center. It was his 23rd wedding anniversary.

Bill was born on September 22, 1928 in LaHarpe, the son of Malcolm H. And Pauline E. Tilton Housewright. On December 25, 1948 he married Norma Jean Limkeman in Sutter, IL. She preceded him in death on July 12, 1990. On April 6, 1991 he married Patricia A. Banks Beals in LaHarpe.

Mr. Housewright was a 1946 graduate of the LaHarpe High School. Bill served in the U.S. Navy Reserves, and was called to active duty during the Korean War. After high school Bill worked with his father at Malcolm Housewright and Sons General Contracting. He then owned and operated Housewright Construction from 1970 until retirement 3 years ago. Bill was a pilot, he flew his first solo flight in 1971. He was very active with the summer baseball programs when his children were young and served as a coach. Later, he enjoyed following his grandchildrens sporting activities. Bill also liked to travel, he belonged to several camping clubs in Illinois. He enjoyed following NASCAR and attended many races. Mr. Housewright was a member of the LaHarpe Christian Church, where he served as Chairman of the Board, and was the Superintendent of Sunday School for many years. Bill also served on the Board of Directors and was past president of the former LaHarpe Hospital. He was a member of the LaHarpe Masonic Lodge.

Bill is survived by his wife, Patsy; two sons, Steven (Carol) Housewright of LaHarpe, and Gary (Nikki) Housewright of Nauvoo, IL; four step-children, Kevin (Sherry) Beals of LaHarpe, Kris (Diana) Beals of Stronghurst, IL, Kimberly (Jeff) Brown of Mexico, MO, and Kendall Beals of LaHarpe; 7 grandchildren;15 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; and 2 step-great-grandsons; also, two brothers, Loy (Jane) Housewright of Loveland, CO and Larry Housewright of LaHarpe.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Norma Jean; one son, Terry Housewright; and one grandson, Steven Henry Housewright.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at the LaHarpe Christian Church with Nate McCarter officiating. Burial, with military rites, will follow in the LaHarpe Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 after 3:00 PM at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Christian Church, Blessing Hospice of Hancock County, and Hospice Compassus. Condolences may be left at banksandbeals.com.