William Edward “Bill” Dunworth was born on May 5,1933, to Esther and William J. Dunworth, in rural Antioch, Illinois. Beloved husband of Laurel Leigh; father of Leigh Anne Dunworth, Cheryl Dunworth Manidok (Brian), William C. Dunworth (Tami), and Karen Rayman (Michael); grandfather of Thomas, Mathew, Emily, Eric,Taylor, Evan, and Brittney; great grandfather of Robin; greatly loved brother of Nancy Chernak; dear brother-in-law, great uncle, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
Bill attended Grass Lake School first through eighth grade–the same one-room schoolhouse his aunts, uncle, sister, and all of their cousins attended. He graduated from Antioch Township High School in 1951. Bill spent his youth working at his maternal grandparent’s fishing and hunting resort, Ed Smith’s, on Grass Lake, where he surely developed his love of nature. Family and friends surrounded him with love as the first grandchild. He attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, and graduated with a business degree in 1956. Here he met the love of his life, Laurel Leigh. They were married in 1957.
Bill’s career as an engineer and plant manager for Corn Products Company, Best Foods, and its subsidiaries, relocated the family from Illinois to Kansas and back to Illinois again; eventually settling in Chesterfield, MO in 1985. After retirement, Bill worked as a florist delivery driver, hence his nickname, the “Flower man.” He appreciated and cared for his coworkers and the happiness flowers brought to their clients. He volunteered at the Missouri Botanical Garden and in Yellowstone National Park. He was an usher and greeter at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Creve Coeur for many years.
Bill enjoyed the outdoors, planning vacations and field trips near and far, wildlife and bird watching, an amazing variety of music, his computer, going to the library, and just keeping busy. He never liked to sit. He loved his family and adored Laurel Leigh. Little children, dogs, white wine, and chocolate made him happy, too. A friendly man, he never knew a stranger.
Donations may be made to the Missouri Botanical Garden or St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church.
Visitation at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 808 N. Mason Rd., 63141 on Saturday February 23, 10:00 AM until funeral service at 11:00 AM. A service of Kutis Affton Chapel.