William Rexford Thompson Jr.

KEWANEE - William Rexford Thompson Jr. (Billy), 88 of Kewanee, Illinois, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, at home with family. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 25 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kewanee with Rev. Paul Weber officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens where military rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. Memorials may be directed to the Kewanee YMCA or to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Billy was born on May 10, 1938, in his parents’ home in Kewanee, IL. Billy attended school in Kewanee, IL - Irving Elementary School, Central Junior High School, and Kewanee High School (1956), where he was elected class President. After High School, Billy attended Western Illinois University, graduating in 1960 with a degree in Business. After college, Billy enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Counter-intelligence Corps.

Billy’s first job after the Army was for Boss Manufacturing Co. Billy then went to work for the Workman Agency. After this, Billy began a 31-year career at First Federal Savings and Loan as President and Chairman of the board of directors, retiring in 2004.

Billy had many leadership roles within the Kewanee Community. Billy was the President of the Kewanee YMCA, President of the KEDC-Kewanee Economic Development Corporation, and President of Midland Country Club. Billy was also a devoted member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where he served as an Elder and President.

While working at the Workman Agency, Billy met the Love of his Life, Judith Bitting. They were united in marriage on June 19, 1966. They recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary.

Billy is survived by his wife, Judith Thompson (Bitting), his children, Michelle Armstrong – Kewanee, and Kevin Thompson (Tina) - Kewanee. Billy also has six grandchildren, Andrew, Carter, Jake, Kristian, Kenidee, Ashton and one great granddaughter, Margaret.

Billy was an avid golfer, becoming Kewanee’s City Champion four times, Midland Club Champion six times and Baker Park Club Champion one time. Due to these accomplishments, Billy was inducted into Kewanee’s Golf Hall of Fame. Billy was also a competitive racquetball player and was able to compete until his 80th birthday.    

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, William Rexford Thompson Sr. and Lena Blanch Thompson.

Family and Friends were everything to Billy.  He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

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