William (Bill) Carlton Lister, Age 62, passed from this world at his home on Friday, September 25th, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.
Bill was the oldest son of his family, growing up in Alvin, IL with a younger Brother, Scott Lister. He is still living. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Bonita (Hoover) Lister in 2001, and Charles William Lister in 2010. He went to school in Rossville, IL, from grade school until graduation, making many friends along the way, especially one of his best friends, Brent Rainwater. After school, Bill joined the workforce, working for Clapp Ind. and several other factories. When his kids grew older, he took to the trucking life, starting over the road, seeing sites and states he’d never been to. He always found history somewhere to learn or share with others. He moved to Holland Trucking (eventually named Yellow Freight), and then to GFL(Green for Life) when Yellow Trucking closed their doors.
If you knew Bill, he had a catalog of hobbies. It rotated like a revolving door. Watching NASCAR and rooting for Dale Earnhardt while booing Kyle Busch and the others, listening to rock music and Jimmy Buffett, talking about cars (he loved his Monte Carlos, Novas, and Impalas the most), he loved trains of any kind, RC cars, flying with The American Huey 369 Inc. group after his fear of flying was quickly left behind, and so, so much more. But most of his life, he enjoyed reenacting. He absolutely loved telling people about American history, firing cannons, and dressing the part was right up his alley. He met his other best friend, Jim Blanton, while reenacting, and when they were together, you knew you were in for a fun time, along with all of their other reenacting buddies.
In the midst of his already jam-packed life, he met the love of his life in 1987 when two CB radio buddies talked and put their kids together. They dated for a few years, and then William and Minda (Hoskins) Lister were united in marriage at Pence United Methodist Church on October 20th of 1990. Minda survives.
Bill loved his family, whether he showed it or not. Posthumously, we found out from others that he always talked about his family, even though he put on a front of being an old, grouchy man. Anyone who knew him quickly realized that was a front that he put on, but he was really a big, grumpy but happy teddy bear. He’d do anything for anyone if they asked. He’d talk to strangers out of the blue if they were close to something on a topic he knew about. Several strangers got facts from a man they'd probably never see again just because he was so excited to share the information. His children are the same way. You will see Bill’s personality in Jasper (Jay) (Beau Kyle) of Georgetown, IL, and Kathleen (Kate) (Justin Alexander) of Waynetown, IN, but not necessarily his other daughter. Katie’s best friend turned into adopted daughter, Brooke McWherter of Taylorville, IL. Bill would say that she was his favorite kid because she “talked back just like the other two”, and Bill loved it no other way. They loved him just the way he was. Perfectly Imperfect. And he was the best dad they could have asked for. All three kids survive.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at Rossville Church of Christ, 514 E Attica St, Rossville, IL 60963. Memorial service will immediately follow the visitation, with Pastor Mike Robling officiating. According to his wishes cremation rites have been arranged. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Bill’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in honor of Bill to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, located at 1100 Spatz St. Riverside, OH 45433, where some of his favorite war planes, such as the Memphis Belle, The Swoose, and Strawberry Bitch reside.
Memories or condolences may be shared with the family at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.
