William Lee "Bill" Meteer

William Lee ( Bill ) Meteer, age 90, of Athens, died Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. He is survived by: two sons, Wm. Lee (wife Karla) Meteer of Blue Mound, IL and Wade (wife Jody) Meteer of Athens, IL; seven grandchildren, Wade (Holly) Meteer, Addie (Taylor) Braungardt, Sam (Cara) Meteer, Travis (Paige) Meteer, Weston (Ashley) Meteer, Chance (Jenna) Meteer and Rochelle (Eric) Oseland; seven great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Thomas (Peggy) Ostermeier of Athens, IL; and three nieces and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Patsy Marie Meteer, parents Wilbur and Grace Meteer, and two sisters - Donna Jean Ostermeier and Carol Ann Fabris.

            Bill Meteer was born October 11, 1933 the son of Wilbur Edward Meteer and Grace Marie (Dobson) Meteer  in Springfield, Illinois. He grew up on the family farm north of Athens, IL and graduated from Athens High School in 1951.  He married Patsy Marie Ostermeier at the Sweetwater Christian Church on September 5, 1954 and was married to her for over sixty-eight years.

            Bill worked for Grieme Brothers Farm Supply from 1951 to November of 1955 when he went into  the U S Army. He was a member of U S Army and on active duty until November of 1957 when he was discharged and returned home to Illinois. He continued to be in the U S Army Reserves until 1960. Bill upon his return to Athens worked for Indian Point Farm Supply from 1958 until 1969. He next operated Bill's Service / Texaco from 1969 until 1976. In 1976 he and his wife Patsy started the company of Meteer Manufacturing and began doing custom work for the agricultural sector making different devices and implements for farmers and agriculture businesses. The Meteer Down-Corn reel was one of his first agricultural devices he developed and marketed. Bill operated Meteer Manufacturing with his wife Patsy and son Wade for over forty-five years.

            Bill was a life-long member of the Indian Point Presbyterian Church where he served as elder and church board member many years.   He was also board member and trustee for   the Athens - Fancy Prairie Fire Protection District for twenty-seven years. He was always extremely proud of all of the positive strides the Fire District was able to make during his time as a trustee.

            Bill was a life-long Ford enthusiast and owned over one hundred different Ford cars and trucks. He was most involved in owning antique and high performance cars and trucks. Collecting, exhibiting, working on, and driving Ford Mustangs and Ford Lightnings were one of his biggest passions. Bill and his wife Pat were members of many area car clubs and enjoyed those Car Club activities, cruises, and car shows.

            Bill Meteer for the most part lived his entire life in the Athens, Illinois area except for his time in the U S Army. He was always involved in Agriculture in some ways regardless of his work positions and business ventures. Bill was also a devoted family man and was very proud of all of his entire family. He loved his family very much and was extremely proud of all of the achievements of his children and grand-children!

Visitation for Bill will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 from 9:30 AM until time of funeral services at 11:00 AM at Indian Point Presbyterian Church north of Athens, IL.   Rev. Brandon Chappell will be officiating. Burial will be held at Indian Point Cemetery near Athens.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Indian Point Presbyterian Church near Athens.