William Robert Templeton

March 19, 1931 — May 4, 2015

Marion-William Robert Templeton, 84, passed away on May 4, 2015 at his home with his beloved wife of 57 years, Louise, by his side. William “Bill” was born in Tamaroa on March 19, 1931. He was the son of Dr. William Robert and Marguarite Templeton. When their mother died suddenly in Alton when Bill and his sister Norma were three and six years old respectively, the siblings went to live with their mother’s older sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Jackson of Tamaroa, while their father practiced dentistry in Chicago. After Bill’s father remarried, they went to live with him and their stepmother, Mattie Hall Templeton in Onarga, IL. After completing grade school in Onarga, Bill enrolled in the Onarga Military School, graduating in 1949 as class Valedictorian. After one year at Illinois Wesleyan University, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Army Security Agency with 11 months in Korea and nine months in Kyoto, Japan. Returning from the service in 1953, Bill enrolled in Carbondale at SIU where he completed his BS in education degree (Mathematics) and his MS in education degree (Educational Administration). It is also at SIU where Bill met and married his wife Anne Louise Camp. Bill and Louise were happily employed in the public schools of Oregon and then Illinois, both serving as high school teachers. Bill then became a public school Superintendent for the Rankin Illinois School District. Bill completed his employment at Danville Junior College where he taught mathematics and served in the college administration. Bill and Louise retired together from the Danville Junior College in 1990. After retirement, Bill and Louise returned to Southern Illinois and located in DuQuoin for 16 years and then moved to Marion to enjoy his daughter and grandchildren who lived only 6 blocks away. He is survived by: Wife-Anne Louise Templeton Daughter-JoAnn Elizabeth Templeton Oliphant (Chris Howard) of Marion Three grandchildren: William Christopher Oliphant (Haley Else Oliphant) serving in the U.S. Army, stationed in Wahiawa, HI Elizabeth Louisa Oliphant of Marion Corey Joseph Howard of Marion One great-grandchild-Garret Tyler Oliphant Nieces and nephew: Cathy Youngman of DuQuoin Michael Jones, LA, CA Christy Emery of DuQuoin Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Norma Lee Jones Bill would like to be remembered as a loving husband to Louise, devoted parent to JoAnn and a “spoiler” of Christopher, Elizabeth and Cory. He has loved life and the many friends he has met along the way. True to Bill’s wishes, his body will be cremated. His family will hold a “Celebration of Life” gathering at a later date. He was very loved. Blue Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit bluefuneralhome.com

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William Robert Templeton

March 19, 1931 — May 4, 2015

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