William E. Lampley, Sr. – Benton

William Edward Lampley, Sr., age 90, of Benton IL, passed away at 6:50 a.m. Sunday, February 5, 2017 at Fifth Seasons Residential in Benton.

Mr. Lampley was born on October 22, 1926 in Franklin County, the son of Logan Lampley and Pauline (Hobbs) Lampley. He married the former Hazel Margaret Brooks on June 27, 1943 and together they celebrated 73 years of marriage.

Mr. Lampley was the founder of Lampley Oil Company. He built the Plaza Restaurant and Lounge, West City Motors, and Lampley Oil Office building. He was also the former owner of the Plaza Motel.

His passion was working, and enjoying family and friends.

He was a member of the Macedonia Masonic Lodge #1128 A.F. & A.M., the Ainad Shriners of Southern Illinois, and was a member of the Illinois Oil and Gas Association.

Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Hazel M. Lampley of Benton; four children: Cheryl K. Lampley of Phoenix, AZ, Billie S. Higgerson of Benton, William E. Lampley and wife Michele of Benton, Steven C. Lampley and wife Daredan of Marion, IL; seven grandchildren: Christopher J. Fiorenzi of Texas, Jacquelyn Higgerson of Benton, Shannon Melvin and husband Rodney of Benton, Trent Higgerson and wife Becky of Mahomet, IL, James Lampley of Benton, Mark Lampley of Benton, Casey C. Lampley of West Frankfort; ten great-grandchildren: Taylor Fiorenzi, Brock Britton, Mallory Melvin, Jace Melvin, Paxton Melvin, Liam Higgerson, Yorke Higgerson, Logan Lampley, Olivia Lampley, and Luke Lampley.

Mr. Lampley was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter Kathy Ruth Lampley; a granddaughter: Cynthia Fiorenzi; a brother: John Lampley; a son-in-law: Gerald Higgerson; and a granddaughter-in-law: Tiffany Lampley.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Bert Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in the Brady Cemetery, east of Akin. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave the family online condolences or to share memories of William E. Lampley, Sr., visit www.lpfuneralhome.com