William Harvey “Bill” Acton, 94, of rural Henning, IL, passed away at 9:08 P.M. Thursday February 8, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born January 28, 1930, in Danville, IL, the son of Robert and Una (Dale) Acton. He married Shirley Jean Parsons on September 18, 1954, at St. James United Methodist Church in Danville, IL. She survives in rural Henning, IL.
He is also survived by two sons, Jeffrey (Cynthia) Acton of Danville, IL and John (Karen) Acton of Cayuga, IN; one sister-in-law, Peggy White of Danville, IL; three grandchildren, Kaitlin Jo Acton (fiancé, Derek), Kelly Jean (Andrew) Kaufmann, and Jeffrey Cole (Megan) Acton; three great-grandchildren, Liyah Jean, Milo Andrew, and Neil William Kaufmann; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, William Todd Acton; one sister, Barbara Jean Acton; and two brothers, Robert Dale Acton and Thomas Jackson Acton.
Bill began his farming career in 1951. After his retirement, he continued to help his son, Jeff, on the family farm. He was a member of St. James United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for over 60 years, sang at many funerals and weddings, and served on multiple Church boards. He most recently attended the Middlefork United Methodist Church in Potomac. Bill served on the Bean Creek Drainage District and the 8 Mile Drainage District for many years. He was the South Ross Township Clerk for 28 years and was a Vermilion County Farm Bureau Board Member along with serving on other various Farm Bureau committees. In 2022, Bill received the Vermilion County Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award. He also served as a Republican Precinct Committeeman. He was a long-time member of the YMCA where he enjoyed playing volleyball. Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing with his two sons and was able to teach them about God’ s creation. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and continued the tradition of the Northern Wisconsin family vacation which was started in 1935.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. CST, Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Middlefork United Methodist Church, 109 S. Vermilion St., Potomac, IL, with Pastor George Desmond officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery, 301 E. Voorhees St., Danville.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Bill to the Vermilion County Farm Bureau Foundation, 1905-C U.S. Route 150, Danville, IL 61832, or Fair Hope Children’s Ministry , 1225 E. Voorhees St., Danville, IL 61834.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Bill’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.
