William Alan Meridith, age 67, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 1:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at his residence in Galesburg.He was born on December 29, 1950 in Galesburg, the son of Paul and Lois (West) Meridith. He attended and graduated from Knoxville High School. William married Tracy (Dunham) Healey on October 22, 2016 in Galesburg.
He is survived by his wife, Tracy Meridith of Galesburg; his step-children: Joiey (Jon) Tracy of Galesburg, Jaicee Healey of Galesburg, Joshua (Kelsey) Healey of Quincy, Illinois, Ronnie Guild of Galesburg; two step-grandchildren: Xander Anderson, Josselyn Tracy; his siblings: Paula Holmes of Galesburg, Jackie (John) Magnison of Cameron, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews, whom he adored. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Mickey Utzinger.
He enlisted in the United States Army in July 1969 and served his country in the Vietnam War; he retired from the United States Air Force on January 31, 1992. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, USAF Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal to recognize his service.
William enjoyed the spending time in the outdoors, especially going hunting and fishing. He was of the Lutheran faith.
Cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home in Knoxville, Illinois. The Funeral Service will follow immediately at 11:00 A.M., Deacon Michael Crummer officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the VFW #2257/Legion #258 Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the family. On-line condolences and expressions of sympathy made be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com
