Horace Wilbur “Big Wil” Reamer

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Horace Wilbur “Big Wil” Reamer on January 10th, 2023, at 87 years old. Wilbur passed peacefully at St. Paul’s Nursing home.

If you brought up Wilbur’s name the immediate response is ‘he is a character’. Wilbur lived life on his terms, and that made him who he was – the man you could not help but love. He would make you laugh but without intention.

Moss did not grow under his feet. Wilbur was an avid horseshoe player, bowler, fisherman, and card player. He took great enjoyment in visiting his family in Texas, spending time at the Lake of Egypt ‘back in the day’ with family and friends, and weekly lunches with his close friends, the “Watkins Gang”. He leaves behind many memories and stories that will be told for a long time.

Wilbur founded his company, Reamer Glass & Mirror in 1972. Wilbur attended E. St. Louis High School and graduated from Assumption High school in 1954.

Wilbur leaves behind his loving companion of 12 years, Marynelle Maulding; and his three children, Tom (Denise) Taggart, Lisa (Bernie) Sullivan, and Michael “Bucky” Reamer. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jamie (James) Patterson, Tommy (Casey) Taggart, Ryan (Kingsley) Taggart, Genna Sullivan, Katie Sullivan, Rachel Rukavina, Alex Reamer, and Isabella Mariles; along with his great-grandchildren Andrew Patterson, Kimberly Patterson, Hank Rukavina, Violette Blaylock, and Declan Taggart. He is survived by his cousin Bonnie Reamer; along with in-laws, nieces, nephews and many, many friends – especially his horseshoe buddy Kenny Kiefer who visited him weekly while he was at St. Pauls. Wilbur is also survived by his bonus family – Marynelle’s children and grandchildren.

Wilbur is preceded in death by his wife Marie (Przada) Reamer December 12, 1998, his parents Joe Vera (Jackson) Reamer and Horace W. Reamer Sr., and his brothers Wallace “Wally” Reamer and Joseph “Bub” Reamer. He also preceded by his uncle George and Aunt Kate Reamer and in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Special Thanks: A special thank you to the wonderful staff at St. Paul’s and Southern Illinois Hospice for the exceptional care and love they provided Wilbur.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks you to make donations to Southern Illinois Hospice.

Visitation: Visitation from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Fr. Clyde Grogan officiating. Interment at Valhalla Garden of Memory in Belleville, IL.