William Edward Kelley 75 of Urbana, passed away at 9:50 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2012 at the Champaign County Nursing Home, Urbana.

William Kelley (Bill) was born on May 31, 1936 at Decatur, son of Orval Kelley and Nancy Pennington. He married Patricia Wingler, then married Joan Haynes in 1988, she survives.

Other survivors include step-children; Jeanne (Greg) Crippen, Jeff Haynes and Jody (Marvin) Manship, step-grandchildren; Crystal (Mark) Spurgeon, Catie and Tyler Crippen, Mindy Van Hecke, Heather (partner John Runge) Stacey (Shawn) Denton and Jay Manship and daughter; Teresa Pasley and granddaughter Ashley Smith, step-great grandchildren; Mark Jr. and Lillie Spurgeon, Quinn and Seneca Van Hecke and John Runge Jr.

Bill grew up in Indianapolis was preceded in death by a sister and six brothers. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Bill was educated at the Indiana State School for the Blind, Sight Saver Elem. School, Arsenal Tech High School, Indianapolis.

Most of his life, Bill was plagued with very low vision, corrected by one (of many) surgeries and was able to enjoy a nearly normal life from about ages 13 to 30. During that time he served four years in the U.S. Air Force, was able to drive, read, marry and maintain a home. That all ended when a massive accident to his right eye and Laser surgery destroyed his central vision and some of the peripheral. He was declared legally blind, could not work at his job, could not drive nor read most print. He suffered a bout of depression.

Bill soon bounced back; he did volunteer work and joined support groups. He served on the Board of Parents Without Partners. He joined the American Legion Post 71, Urbana and 40/8, Voiture 238 where he served as Chef de Gare in 2007-8. He volunteered at Veteran's Medical center, Danville. He also worked part time as a grocery bagger at Jewel-Osco, Jerry's IGA and County Market. Then a detached retina destroyed more of his vision and he resigned.

Bill and his wife, Joan, traveled to Europe, the Caribbean and most of the United States. They loved square dancing and attended many conventions and festivals, travelling with friends.

Bill was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Urbana since 1988.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Urbana, Rev. Fr. Joseph Hogan will officiate. A reception will be held after mass in the Parish Center. Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Nurses Training program of the 40/8 Voiture 238 or to American Legion Post 71's many worthy programs assisting veterans.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.