Billy "Bill" G. Strain

Billy “Bill” G. Strain, age 73, of O’Fallon and formerly of Belle, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the Clarendale of St. Peters Assisted Living facility.

Bill was born June 14, 1949, in Summerfield, a son to the late Harold Clifton and Ruby Louise (Johnson) Strain.

Bill attended the Summerfield school through the 8^th grade and then graduated from Belle High School in 1967. Following High School, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a paratrooper during the Vietnam War.

On November 10, 1973, he was united in marriage to Joyce Backues at the Pilot Knob Church. Joyce survives of their home in O’Fallon.

Bill had been employed at the Chrysler plant in Fenton for 37 years before retiring on April 1, 2005.

Bill enjoyed gigging fish on the Gasconade with his brother Kent, and playing cards, pinochle, and pitch. He loved to barbecue and was famous for his pork steaks. Bill loved to garden and plant flowers and would work hard all summer to keep his yard one of the prettiest on the block. He and Joyce loved to travel after retirement along with family. Bill was a very generous and giving man and donated to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital every month. He enjoyed helping out others in need. Most of all, Bill loved spending time with family and especially his grandchildren. He will be missed greatly by those that knew and loved him.

In addition to his wife of almost 50 years, Bill is survived by: three sons, Paul Strain of O’Fallon, Corey Strain and his wife Amber of O’Fallon, and Justin Strain of O’Fallon; five grandchildren, Mikayla Yeakey, Tanner Strain, Peyton Strain, Jackson Strain, and Mia Strain; one brother, Doyle Strain and his wife Joyce of Ferguson; and two sisters, Joyce Dotson and her husband Bob of Belle and Debra Jett and her husband Macey of Holts Summit as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, one sister Kathryn Gielser, and one brother Kent Strain.    

Visitation for Bill will be on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the Pilot Knob Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Funeral Services will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Russell Walje officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery with full military honors.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Pilot Knob Cemetery or the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.