Bill H. Cantrell, born November 27, 1920 in Springfield, Missouri, died having lived a life of love and service on November 28, 2013. He is survived by his daughter, Robin Cantrell Hogg, son-in-law, Brooks Hogg of Dallas, Texas, his son, Dennis Robert Cantrell, four grandchildren; Lindsay Cantrell Price, and Boone Cantrell of Springfield, Samuel Laidlaw Hogg, of Providence, Rhode Island and William Marshall Hogg, of New Orleans, Louisiana. He was married forty three years to Bobbie Sue Cantrell, nee Thornburgh, deceased 1988. He was also married to Mary Alice Owen, deceased 2006. Mr. Cantrell was Valedictorian of Springfield Senior High School class of 1938, and graduated Cum Laude with an AB in economics and political science from Drury College in 1942. Bill joined the Marine Corps in 1942 and served in the South Pacific until 1945. As a fighter pilot, he flew his Corsair in 134 air strikes, including the battles of Peleliu, Green Island and Palau. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals, the Purple Heart and a Presidential Unit Citation. He received an honorable discharge with the rank of Lt. Colonel. Returning to Springfield after World War II, he became president and owner of Glasgow Men's Wear from 1945 until 1976. After selling Glasgow be joined Centerre Bank as senior vice-president until his retirement in 1988. In 1989, he fulfilled a life-long fantasy - opening Billy's Chili, a casual bar and grill on National. He closed Billy's Chili, and was a co-founder of Signature Bank in 1993. Beginning in 1953, Bill began a lifetime of community service as a member of Springfield's Home Rule Charter Commission which created our current City Manager form of government . He was also active in the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, serving as Vice president and head of the Downtown Association. Bill was an active member of Springfield Rotary Club since the 1950's and was elected president four years after he joined. He is a past president of the Drury College Alumni Association. He was president of the Springfield R-12 Public School Board from 1969-1977, and served on the City Council 1984-1987. He participated on the Boards of Directors for the Heer-Andres Investment Co., American Red Cross, Springfield Art Museum, Springfield Park Board, USO, Salvation Army, Savage-Juliette Co., Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Catholic Schools Developmental Board, United Way, and was president of Springfield Junior Achievement. In 1997 he wrote and published Friends, Dear Friends, and Heroes, an autobiography. In it, he wrote of coming of age in Springfield, his perspective of a country struggling to emerge from history's worst depression to find itself confronted by World War II, and his life in post-war America. Bill attributed any success he had in life to the luck of the Irish and exquisite timing. He faithfully attended the periodic reunions of his beloved World War II Marine Squadron, VMF 114. He enjoyed attending the "Old Pilots' Club" meetings at the Village Inn each Monday at noon. He was also a huge fan of the SMS Lady Bears women's basketball team. He treated his business associates and customers with kindness, courtesy, warmth and love. He had friends in all walks of life, spanning several generations; all of whom speak proudly of his friendship. He brought laughter and warmth into the lives of many through his wit, humor and wonderful view of the world. He loved Springfield, loved life and all that it offered. He never met a stranger and was always of service. He was always well-dressed, and made a dashing figure as he delivered his many public speeches, entertaining his fellow Rotarians and advocating to inspire young people through education. He thought all women were beautiful, men were "no damn good" and that dogs were the perfect species. Above all, he believed in Springfield's future as a thriving community with a uniquely wonderful quality of life.