Bill Larkins, Sr.

William Albert “Bill” Larkins Sr. 79, of Orion, IL, passed away Monday September 25, 2023, at OSF St. Francis in Peoria.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday September 30, 2023, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 1301 4th Street, Orion. The visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. The burial will be at Western Township Cemetery.

Bill was born on October 7, 1943, in Monmouth, the son of William and Thelma (Bushong) Larkins. He married Bonnie Riedner on July 15, 1965, in Burlington, Iowa and they moved to Orion in 1971. Bill was a U.S. Veteran having served in the Navy from 1961-1965, where he was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station and on the USS Bon Homme Richard, achieving the rank of Seaman 3rd Class.  After Bill’s military services he was a high voltage lineman for Sherrard Power, which later became MidAmerican Energy. He retired on November 1, 2005.

Bill had a passion for his community and small town. He served the Orion Community as a trustee from 1975-1981 and later from 1995-1996. He served on the Planning Commission for many years and was a member of the Orion United Methodist Church, Orion Lions Club, and Sherman D. Sagadin VFW Post 143, where he was a past Commander. Bill was the Mayor of Orion from 1996-2005. His love of the outdoors was shared with his children through numerous hunting, fishing and trapping adventures. He loved to share these outdoor adventures with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In Bill’s free time, when he was not working or helping out those in his community, he could be seen working in his garden, keeping his yard looking pristine, watching his grandchildren’s extracurricular and sporting events, and sharing a story or two with those who passed by. Bill was a friend to everyone.

Those left to cherish his memories are his wife, Bonnie; four children, William “Ace” Larkins, Jr. and his children, Billy (Mandy) Larkins and Brittany (Tyler) Selman; daughter, Gretchen Koester and her children, Michael (Skye) Koester, Megan Koester, Zachary Koester; daughter, Bobbie Dusenberry and her daughter Harlie Dusenberry; son, Daniel (Heather) Larkins and their children Ayla, Zoe, and Gus Larkins; and special niece, Ginger McIntosh. Along to cherish his memory is his sister, Diane Meldrum; 15 great grandchildren with one more expected in November; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Duane Larkins; and sister, Susan Gilbert.

A huge thank you to the first responders, and to Genesis, Unity Point Hospital, and OSF St. Francis doctor and nursing team.

Memories may be shared on the tribute wall.