Obituary of William L. Vail

Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, William L. Vail, 86, died at home on July 19, 2014 in Tucson, AZ. He was born in Bloomington, IL on April 2, 1928, the son of Alma Merritt and Oscar Vail. He was a lifelong resident of Bloomington, until he retired to Tucson in 1984. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy, and his brother, Clifford. William is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jacqueline, and his six children: Catherine (Brent)McIntosh, Tucson; William R. (Diane), Tucson; Mary (Geoff)Grube, Allen, TX; John (Jennifer), Austin, TX; Patricia (Peter)Merna, Peoria, IL; and Elizabeth (Jeff)Brown, Sugar Land, TX; and his 16 grandchildren. William served during the Korean War in the U.S. Army for two years. He then worked for the U.S. Postal Service, and subsequently moved to the National Bank of Bloomington. He then became the Finance Director for the City of Bloomington. He was appointed as City Manager of Bloomington in 1976 and served the people of the city until 1984, when he retired. Bill was active in his church and community organizations through the years. He was held in high regard by all of his friends and co-workers. A funeral Mass will be held on August 2, 2014 at 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Tucson. A memorial visitation and inurnment will be held in Bloomington, IL in the fall. Always a strong supporter of Catholic schools, memorial donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School Angel Fund, 8650 N. Shannon Rd., Tucson, AZ 85742. Bill will be remembered most as a loving spouse and father and for his steadfast support of all his children. He will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Please share your memories and condolences at: www.adairfuneralhomes.com