Williams Bivens, Sr.

William J. Bivens, Sr., 76, of Centralia, passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. He was born in Comstock, Nebraska, son of Garland Bivens and Anna (Land) Bivens. He married Karen Aldrich on March 12, 1983 and she survives in Centralia. In addition to his wife of 36 years, Karen Bivens of Centralia, he is also survived by his nine children: Billy Bivens, Jr. and wife Linda of Odin, Tom Bivens and Carolyn Looman of Salem, Kevin Bivens of Centralia, David Bivens and wife Debbie of Odin, Yvette Peters and husband Kevin of Linn, Kansas, Richard Schroder of Odin, Les Schroder and wife Sherry of Odin, Michelle Baker of Woodlawn, and James Bivens and wife Stephanie of Centralia; 25 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; a mother-in-law: Dortha Schiller of Centralia and a niece: Shirley Burson-Wood and husband Len of Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister: Mary Golden, a father-in-law: Bert Schiller, and a son-in-law: Jerry Staats. William worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for 49 years until his retirement. He was of the Baptist Faith. He was a member of the Freemasons, Shriners, Scottish Rite and York Rite, he was also a Past Master of Carlyle Scott Lodge 79. William enjoyed tinkering on different vehicles and lawnmowers. He also enjoyed collecting cars and traveling. Most of all William cherished the time he spent with his family and friends. A Memorial Service for William J. Bivens, Sr. will be held Friday, November 29, 2019 at 6:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Steve Upchurch officiating. Visitation will be held Friday afternoon from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the funeral home. Masonic Rites will be accorded Friday evening at 5:30 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Bivens Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Williams Bivens, Sr.

December 16, 1942 - November 26, 2019