Charles William “Bill” Read, 95, died at 8:51 a.m. Monday, January 22, 2018 at his residence in Breese, IL. Born May 25, 1922 in Eldorado, IL, he was the son of William Lawrence and Edith (Bourland) Read. Mr. Read served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific Theatre during WWII and was a member of the Main Street United Methodist Church in Alton. He was an executive secretary as well as executive accountant for Mississippi Lime Company retiring in 1984 after 40 years of service. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and camping. He was a professional wood carver and Scout Master. Mr. Read was active with the Junior Achievement Program as well as Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). He married the former Alice Purcell. She preceded him in death. Surviving are four sons, William “Don” Read of Lebanon, MO, James Alan Read of Columbia, IL, John Dale Read of San Antonio, TX, and David Scott Read of O’Fallon, IL. Along with his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a brother, James Carl Read. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be private at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
