William O. Whetstone

William O. Whetstone, 72, of Fairview Heights, Illinois, born Wednesday, May 10, 1939, in , E. St. Louis, IL, died Saturday, August 13, 2011 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.

Whetstone worked as a Apprehension Specialist for the Illinois Department of Corrections, worked part-time for Kurrus Funeral Home for 41 years and currently worked part-time with Home Detention Techs of Illinois. He served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War and Desert Storm.  He was a member of the Vietnams Veterans of America and a Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and also a member of HOG.

He was preceded in death by his:

  • Parents: Chauncey and Vivian nee Hoenig, Whetstone
  • Brother: Simon Whetstone


Surviving are his:

  • Wife: Sue nee Loy, Whetstone of Fairview Heights, IL
  • Children:
    • Rhonda Whetstone of Fairview Heights, IL
    • Richard (Karen) Whetstone of Shiloh, IL
    • Randy (Laura) Whetstone of Trenton, IL
    • Laura Whetstone of Springfield, IL
    • Keith (Wendy) Whetstone of Belleville, IL
  • Good Buddy: Missy
  • Grandchildren
  • Great Grandchildren


Memorials:  Memorials may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America

Visitation:  Friends may call from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, August 18, 2011 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Father Raymond Schultz and Rick Hodshire officiating.  Interment will follow at Jefferson Barrack's National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO

Condolences left for William O. Whetstone:

    I thank William for this service to our nation. It was much appreciated and welcomed. I pray that God wraps His loving arms around his family during this time and for the years to come, to carry them through, as William smiles down upon them with God by his side.

    Anne-Marie Gibson (Member of the Illinois Patriot Guard Riders) Shiloh Illinois 62269

    Rest in Peace Brother, you are my Hero. I promise to watch over your family during your service and to escort you to your final resting place in Jeff Bks as a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, it is an honor to stand up for what you have done for this greatful Nation. May God Bless your Family during these hard times. TSgt Frank Vollano, Retired U.S.A.F., Vietnam Veteran 1969.

    Frank E. Vollano Fairview Heights Illinois 62208

    A great soldier, a true gentleman, a servant of the people, and a man of rare love for his fellow veterans. Bill, you will be greatly missed. I am honored to have known you and to call you friend. Stand tall at your roll call. See you in formation Sgt Whetstone.

    Ken Clark Fairview Hts IL 62208

    Hi Uncle Bill! It's hard to say good-bye from Hawaii so I'll just say until we meet again! Save me a place at your table in heaven, and you owe me a ride on the back of your Harley! I'll always remember you smiling and I'll hold you near in my heart! I love you!
    Mary Beth

    Mary Beth Van Hoogstraten Honolulu HI 96816

    I am extremely saddened by your loss. He will be missed. Stay strong and my prayers will be with you....Love you all.

    Julie Loy Carbondale Illinois 62901

    Another childhood friend sleeps with the angels. Rest in Peace Bill.

    Condolences to the family from the Pinkston girls especially Barb, Linda and Martha

    Martha Pinkston Fultz Richkas Columbus Ohio 43230

    It's been many years since I've left the metro area and spoken with members of the Whetstone family. Many of my formative HS years were spent with Randy, Laura, and others from Bill's family. I was saddened to learn of Bill's sudden passing. My memories of Bill were that he was always a joyful individual. I respect him for his many years of service to this country and we can all be thankful of that. I know he will be missed.

    Tim and Elizabeth Braun & family Winston-Salem NC 27106

    I served with Bill in the army at Fort Irwin, Ca and in Vietnam. I got to know him a lot more and better when he was contacting many, many of us forty-some years later for our first reunion of the 6th/84th unit. I talked to him several times regarding other members of our unit and possible current addresses. Remarkable individual with a tremendous amount of energy and drive towards this goal. I have a LOT OF RESPECT for this man and his commitment to our unit and those of us who did not return.

    Dan Newman

    Daniel A Newman Lake in the Hills IL 60156