William S. Rister

William S. Rister, 86, of Shawneetown, left this life to be with our Lord on Thursday, April 1, 2010, 4:03 p.m. , following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on June 12, 1923 in Omaha, Ill. to the late Alvin and Mary (Mathis) Rister. He graduated from Shawneetown High School where he and his brother, Bob, excelled at basketball and were known as the "Rister boys". Bill served in the Navy in World War Two as a load specialist on transport aircrafts where he acquired his love of flying and later in life received his pilot's license. On May 25, 1945, he married the love of his life, Mildred M. (Silva) Rister, known to all as Micky and they produced three sons, Bill, Jim and Alan, whom he was very proud of. Bill was the sales manager of Rich Motor Co. for twenty-nine years and was a Diamond member of the Ford Three hundred-Five hundred Club. After his years at Rich Motor Co. he became an independent photographer in Shawneetown, specializing in weddings, family portraits and aerial photography. He accomplished much in his life including: serving one term as Gallatin County treasurer in the early 1950's; past Shawneetown fire chief; served as Gallatin County as deputy sheriff for many years and remains an honorary deputy; president of the Gallatin County Historical Society and Lions Club for seven years; former Boy Scout leader; active member of Oddfellows and WADI food pantry chairman for many years; served on the selective service board until his death; was an avid supporter of the American Legion baseball team in Shawneetown. Bill was very proud to be instrumental in the planting of trees at the Gallatin County High School , in which each tree represents all past schools in Gallatin County. Survivors include his wife of almost sixty-five years, Micky Rister; three sons, Billy and wife Sherry of Welsh, La., Jim of Shawneetown, Alan and wife Vicki of Evansville, Ind.; nine grandchildren, Dawn, Shannon, Amanda, Devon, Erica, Addie, Lindsay, Ashley and Derek; ten great grandchildren; one brother, Bob Rister; step sister Joanne; nieces, nephews and other family members. In addition to his parents and step mother Mable, he was preceded in death by youngest brother, Dick Rister and grandson, Michael Rister. Bill was a faithful member of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Shawneetown. He was also a member of the Shawneetown American Legion Post #585. Visitation for Bill will be held on Monday, April 5, 2010 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Shawneetown. Funeral service will be the following day, Tuesday April 6, 2010 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Cherrie Wilkerson officiating. Burial will be at Hogan Cemetery near Shawneetown with Military rites by the Ridgway-Shawneetown American Legion. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois. Internet condolences may be made at the website, www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com. We would like to express our gratitude to the nursing staff of Hospice of Southern Illinois, family and friends for their help and support.