William “Wild Bill” Huddlestun (67) of Newton

William “Wild Bill” Huddlestun, age 67, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 4:49 PM Saturday, September 12, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.

Funeral services celebrating Bill’s life will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Block Cemetery south east of Greenup, Illinois. In loving memory of Bill, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Cancer Fund, c/o Deb Huddlestun, 908 South Jackson Street, Newton, Illinois 62448. 

For those unable to attend in person the service will be shared on the Meyer Funeral Home Facebook page via Facebook Live. The family requests that face coverings be worn and social distancing measures respected. However, if attending in person is of concern, please simply hold them in your prayers. 

The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here.

William Ross, better known as “Wild Bill” was born on August 28, 1953, in Mattoon, Illinois, the son of Wallace Ray and Helen Jean (Walker) Huddlestun. He graduated from Newton Community High School with the class of 1971. Bill married Deb Feltner-Dunn on March 30, 1996, in Newton, Illinois and she survives.

Bill was a hard worker. Starting at the age of 17, he began his career as a truck driver, traveling the country working in 49 of the 50 states. He retired after 46 years on the road. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, camping, rebuilding and painting both tractors and vehicles. His greatest joy was visiting. He never knew a stranger and considered his friends as family.

His hugs will be greatly missed by all.

He was a member of the Bethany Baptist Church and the Sons of the American Legion Squadron #20.

Bill is survived by: Wife of 24 years – Deb Huddlestun of Newton, Illinois; 2 Sons – Matt (Lorri) Dunn of Casey, Illinois and Mitch (Michelle) Dunn of Hidalgo, Illinois; 2 Grandchildren – Ashton Dunn and Madi Dunn; Brother – Fred (wife Sharon) Huddlestun of Yale, Illinois; Sister – Winnie (Dwight) Piper of Robinson, Illinois; Several nieces, nephews, countless friends and extended family also survive.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Alice Jamison, Barbara Thontlin and Pat Miller.