William "Sonny" Bott

Alton- William Robings “Sonny” Bott, 87, went home to be with the Lord at 5:15 a.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the home of his daughter and son-in- law under the care of Heartland Hospice. He spent his final days content and happy surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones while listening to his favorite big band music and watching the grandchildren play. He was born on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1929 to Wilma and Harold Bott of Brighton, Illinois. He was a graduate of Brighton High School in 1947. In 1948 William joined the 44th Division of the Illinois National Guard, Battery A 209, Field Artillery Battalion. On June 16, 1950 he married the love of his life, Esther Ruth Pilcher. They remained happily married for 64 years until her death in September 2014. He served in the Korean War from 1952-1953 and was forever proud of serving his country. It was with honor that in 2013 he was able to take the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. and often recalled that day as “one of the best in his life.” Hearing stories of his war days; why he was always cold after Korea; the sweet potato swap, and his beloved Taylor’s chili, we will always remember the spark in his eye as he told stories of days gone by. After the war, he worked at Olin Corporation in the mailroom and data processing before spending nearly three decades in banking. His twenty-seven years in banking started at State Savings & Loan and ended when he retired from Enterprise Savings. His retirement years were spent as a golf starter at Muny Golf Course and spending time with family, friends, church, and volunteer service projects. The one word that many people use to describe Bill Bott and his life’s contributions is service; service to his Country, service in his church, and service within the community. Faith was an important cornerstone of his life and upon which he built a solid foundation. He spent a lot of his free time serving Elm Street Presbyterian Church as a church elder and as the church treasurer. He also spent countless hours as Pride Inc. President, United Way Ambassador, Riverbend Growth Association volunteer, Bucket Brigade champion, and various other church and community committees. He was a member of the Alton VFW 1308 and was a 62 year member of the Brighton American Legion. He also served those that were closest to him as well and taught many lessons to his grandchildren about the importance of giving to others. Serving as the primary caregiver to his wife for nearly seven years was an example of love and selflessness characteristic of his priorities and values. When thinking about Bill Bott, an image comes to mind of a one of-a-kind, class act man of integrity and honor. He set the standard by teaching his family kindness, loyalty, service and integrity. He was a mover and a “doer” who didn’t let much grass grow under his feet. He loved sports, big band music, and dancing. Everyone who knew him loved his quick wit and smile. His grandchildren were his life and he was fully present in every moment and enjoyed them beyond measure. Being his daughter or his grandchild was to know what it was to be truly cherished which is an incredible gift. He will be missed by everyone that his life touched. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Sally Jo and his sister Patricia Walter. He is survived by his daughter Marcia Sivia of Alton and his son-in-law Wayne Sivia; grandchildren Christy and Tyler Schaper , Todd and Becky Sivia, Edwardsville, Molly and Justin Peters, Alton; great –grandchildren, Jacob, Blake, Austin, Matthew, Andrew, Bailey, and Daxton as well many lifelong friends and neighbors. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday, September 2, 2016 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Celebration of life services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 3, 2016 at Elm Street Presbyterian Church in Alton. Rev. Bill Veith will officiate. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308. Memorials may be made to Elm Street Presbyterian Church in Alton or the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion, his favorite caregivers at Integrity Healthcare in Godfrey, and friends who faithfully visited. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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William "Sonny" Bott

March 31, 1929 - August 31, 2016