Bill Pendergast's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Bill Pendergast, age 92 of Charleston, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2015. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2015. The Mass of Christian Burial, honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2015 with Father John Titus presiding. Both the Visitation and Mass will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church located at 921 Madison Street in Charleston. Burial, with Military Rites conducted by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, will be in Mound Cemetery, Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church or to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Cancer Center. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the Visitation or Mass or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. John William Pendergast was born August 23, 1923 on the family farm in Seven Hickory Township north of Charleston. He was one of nine children born to the late Thomas and Leone (Riney) Pendergast. He married Eugenia Centers on November 20, 1948 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Charleston and they have celebrated 66 years of marriage and friendship. In addition to Eugenia, he is survived by three children, Mike Pendergast, Althea Pendergast and husband Dave Myerscough, and Kelly Miller and husband Jeff, all of Charleston; six grandchildren, Ian Pendergast-White and wife Danielle of Ashmore, IL, Sierra Pendergast-White, Noah Miller, Ethan Miller, McClain Miller and Isaac Miller, all of Charleston; a great-grandson, John William Pendergast-White; a sister, Nancy (Doug) Ross of Birmingham, AL; a brother-in-law, Roy Helmerson of Arizona; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Hendrix and husband Bradie and Margaret "Peggy" Helmerson; and five brothers, Thomas "Bud" Pendergast, Maurice Pendergast, Charlie Pendergast, Pat Pendergast and Jim Pendergast. Bill was a graduate of Humboldt High School and honorably served his country with the United States Army during WWII. He was a member of the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church family and was recognized as holding membership longer than anyone else in the current congregation. He was also a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4024 and was a Life Member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 in Charleston. Bill was a self-employed farmer in both Seven Hickory and Humboldt Townships. He loved farming and took great pride in being a fourth generation farmer of the Pendergast family farm. He and Eugenia were blessed with many close and endearing friendships within the farming community. His family was forever his priority and everything he did was done with their well-being in mind. He was a big supporter of his grandchildren and their interests and took advantage of every opportunity to cheer for them at various sporting events. Bill loved his home and was quite content there, spending time with his family and enjoying daily visits from Charlie - the neighbor's dog. He will be fondly remembered by his family who loved him dearly.
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