William "Bill" Joseph Altom, I.

William “Bill” Joseph Altom of Steelville, MO, was born on Tuesday, March 7, 1939 in East St. Louis, IL to Robert Luther Altom and Meekie Jo Lents Altom.  He passed away at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, MO on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at the age of 82 years, 5 months and 25 days.

Bill was raised in Dexter, MO where he was saved at an early age and graduated from Dexter High School.  He played baseball and had a tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals but instead, joined the United States Navy where he served our country honorably.  Upon his return, he went to work at McDonnell-Douglas in St. Louis, MO.  On February 13, 1965 he married Dixie May Fears in St. Louis, MO and together they raised five children.  When the oldest child reached school age, the decision was made to leave the city and move to a small community where life could be simpler.  In February of 1972, Steelville, MO became home.

Bill worked in factories as a supervisor including Brown Shoe, Meramec Industries and Mar-Bal from where he retired in 2001.  He later worked part-time for FCNB as a courier for 15 years.  Bill attended Straightway Baptist Church with Dixie.  He enjoyed baseball and softball, gardening, smoking cigars, going to flea markets and yard sales.  He liked to restore old cars, buy and trade guns, upholstery, and could do just about anything he decided he wanted to do.  Most of all, Bill loved his family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Meekie Altom; parents-in-law Omer “OT” and Elsie Fears; sisters Lydia (George) Sexton, Anna Wolf and Ruth Neeley.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Dixie Altom of Steelville, MO; children William “Joe” (Veronica) Altom of Wesco, MO, Deana (Isaac) Haartman of Coats, NC, Timothy Altom and Dawn (Phil) Yeomans both of Steelville, MO and Matt (Rachel) Altom of Columbia, MO; brother of Robert (Lillian) Altom of Coloma, MI; brother-in-law of Wayne Neeley of Pensacola, FL; 10 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and 2 on the way; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Visitation was from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.  Funeral Service immediately followed at 11:00 AM with Rev. Alan Miles officiating.  Burial was at Straightway Baptist Cemetery, Steelville, MO.  Memorials were suggested to the Straightway Baptist Cemetery Fund.

Pallbearers were: J.J. Altom, Matt Altom, Phil Yeomans, Lucas Callahan, James Steiner and Isaac Hartman.

Honorary Pallbearers were: Joe Altom, Tim Altom, Gary Counts and Billy Gilliam.

All arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO. 

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