William C. "Bill" Hezlep

Marion- William “Bill” C. Hezlep, 70, of Marion, Illinois went to his heavenly home at 6:20 PM on Friday, July 8, 2016 at Herrin Hospital.   Bill was born April 16, 1946 in Canton, IL to Carrol and Mary (Bolender) Hezlep.  He married Margaret Hayes August 3, 1974 in Palama, KY.  She survives of Marion.   Bill grew up on a farm in Ipava, IL and graduated in 1964 from V.I.T. High School in Table Grove, IL.  He was an accomplished musician and received his B.S. in Music Education, Illinois State University, in 1968 and M.A. in Music Education, Western Illinois University, in 1978.  He was drafted and subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam from December 1969 through March 1971, where he played trombone in the 266 U.S. Army Band.  During his 35 year career as a band director and music educator, he taught in Easton, Table Grove, Sullivan, Salem, and Harrisburg, Illinois.  After he retired from teaching in May 2005, he worked as an income tax preparer for 10 years.   Bill was an avid sports fan and cheered for the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Bears, and the Fighting Illini.  His hobbies included manicuring his lawn, singing in the church choir, biking, reading, following politics, telling stories, and catching up with old friends on Facebook.   Bill was an active member of Evergreen Christian Church in Salem, First Christian Church in Harrisburg, and Heartland Christian Church in Marion.  He enjoyed serving in many ways, including as a deacon and elder, but his greatest joy was baptizing his son.   He is survived by his wife- Margaret Hezlep of Marion; daughter Sarah Hezlep of Champaign, IL; son Scott (Danae) Hezlep and grandsons Jack and Calvin Hezlep of Valparaiso, IN; brother Donald (Debbie) Hezlep of Dixon, MO; brother Mark Hezlep; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Kimberly Hezlep, an infant brother and brother, David Hezlep. The funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at Heartland Christian Church, 900 East Boyton Street, Marion, Illinois.  Pastor Greg Gibbs will officiate.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2016 at the church.  Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.  Military rites will be performed at graveside by the United States Army Honor Guard.  Funeral arrangements were made at Blue Funeral Home in Marion.   Memorial donations are suggested to a charity of your choice and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home/ 1704 N. Court St/ Marion, IL   62959.  For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.bluefuneralhome.com.