William "Bill" Charles Bradle

WASHINGTON - William C. “Bill” Bradle, 86, of Washington, IL, passed away peacefully at 12:14 pm on Sunday, October 10, 2021.

Bill was born on April 3, 1935 to Clarence “Cuz” and Dorothy (Puckett) Bradle. He married Norma VanScyoc on October 14, 1956 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Washington. Norma passed away on February 15, 2014.

Surviving are their four sons, Kurtis Bradle of Washington, Craig (Mary Ellen) Bradle of Bend, OR, Douglas Bradle of Pekin, and Eric (Donna) Bradle of Grapevine, TX; four grandchildren; and brothers, Randy (Irene) Bradle of Venetia, OR and Chuck (Connie) Bradle of Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sue (Charlie) Thomas.

Bill was a 1953 graduate of Washington Community High School where he played football, baseball, and basketball. He was recently inducted into the school’s 2020 Hall of Fame class in recognition of 58 years of volunteer service running the “Chain Gang” at the football games. He was so proud to be recognized and honored. He truly enjoyed “the best seat in the house” for Panther football.

Bill was hired into a pipe-fitter apprentice program at Caterpillar after high school and later became a Maintenance Foreman at Building RR. For some time as well, he managed the East Peoria barge terminal. Bill and Norma were known for the infamous “Smelt Fry” parties (for Bill’s co-workers) hosted at their home and Bill held dear his many life-long friendships developed throughout a 40-year career at Cat. Bill retired from Caterpillar in 1996.

Bill was a member of several car clubs and the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind, resto-mod Hupmobile. He and Norma enjoyed the car shows, talking about his car to show-goers and telling a portfolio of stories to anyone he would meet. Bill loved most forms of racing, Peoria Motorcycle Club TT races with his boys, Indianapolis “500” Time-Trials, dirt-track winged sprint cars, and NASCAR. As he’d say, “I was going to NASCAR way before it was cool.” Bill was an avid fisherman, and he cherished his trips to Canada with family and many dear friends. A life-long Washington resident, Bill loved his hometown and served his community in many ways over many years, including the Planning and Zoning Commission, through his membership at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, and Friday nights spent on the sideline of Babcook Field with his Washington Panthers football team, to name a few. He was a spirited man who loved a good adventure, shenanigan, or just spending quality time with family and friends. He never knew a stranger.

A service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Washington with Pastor Dick Hanson officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery in Washington. An informal visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 am to 10:45 am prior to the service. Mason-White Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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