William Blackledge

William Hayward Blackledge, 66, passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at the VA Hospice Center in Marion IL. He was born June 18, 1949 in Boston MA, the son of Lloyd and Dorothy (Melavin) Blackledge. He was a 1967 graduate of Bassett High School in La Puente CA. He attended Mt. Sac Community College before being drafted into the U.S. Army.

Bill was married to Madeline in Southern California in the 1960s. He moved to Southern Illinois in the 1970s. Bill was married to Suzie Sandusky in the 1980s. He enjoyed working as a cab driver in Carbondale IL and Evansville IN. His favorite work was in the oil fields of Southern Illinois. He was proud of being a “rough neck”.

Bill enjoyed life. His favorite past-times were spending time with friends while hunting for mushrooms and Indian artifacts.

Survivors include a sister, Andrea (David) Hays of Herald; a niece, Erin Hays of New York; Aunt and Uncle, Doris (Paul) Passi of Santa Barbara CA; Aunt Rosemary Corcoran of Berwyn PA; Aunt Rowena Charleville of Bradenton FL; Uncle Vernon Blackledge of Scottsdale AZ; numerous cousins and friends, Ron Beck and John Miller of Carmi.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

A family service will take place at a later date at the Centerville Cemetery. The Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Carmi is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com