Obituary of William L. Ewing

William L. Ewing, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and decorated Navy veteran, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024, in his home, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was 96 years old.

Born on December 7, 1927, in Danville, Illinois, William overcame humble beginnings. He often spoke of his childhood selling newspapers and attending penny theaters, describing himself as a "child of the streets." He was placed in an orphanage at a young age, but despite his early hardships, William forged a remarkable life filled with service, love, and kindness.

At the age of 17, William enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, marking the beginning of a distinguished 23-year military career. He served through WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, ultimately achieving the rank of Master Chief. He was a proud member of the Fleet Reserve Association and a charter member of the Navy Memorial Organization. His service to his country was a source of great pride throughout his life.

After retiring from the Navy, William earned a degree from the Lake Forest School of Management and entered the burgeoning world of computer technology, feeding punch cards into early mainframes for companies like Great Lakes Credit Union and Fiatallis. His adaptability and curiosity guided him through the dawn of the digital age, just as his dedication to his family shaped his personal life.

William is survived by his devoted wife of many years, Jean Ewing, age 96, and his loving children: Linda Ewing of Waukegan, Illinois; Beverly Bires of Ten Mile, Tennessee; Barbara Greiner of Marion, Iowa; and Teresa Matias (Charlie) of Gurnee, Illinois. He was a proud grandfather of seven, great-grandfather of ten, and even a great-great-grandfather.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Floyd and Mary Ingram Ewing, as well as his sister Olga McMahon and brothers Frank, Robert, and Henry Ewing.

William’s greatest joy came from his family, and his love for them was apparent in everything he did. He retired early to become a babysitter for his grandchildren, creating lasting memories through simple yet heartfelt gestures, like cooking spaghetti dinners and preparing baloney sandwiches. He installed an in-ground pool in his backyard in Waukegan, tending to it diligently so that his children and grandchildren always had a place to gather and play.

A man of creativity and emotion, William wrote love poems to his wife and enjoyed the company of friends at local diners, where he was known for his gentle nature and kind heart. In his later years, he often told his daughter Linda that he "did the best he could to take care of his family," a sentiment that was clear to all who knew him.

William lived a life defined by service, love, and generosity. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the community who cherished him. His legacy will live on in the memories of those whose lives he touched.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 - 8:00 PM on Wednesday Oct 9th at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Pl, Libertyville and from 9:00 - 10:00 AM on Thursday Oct 10th at St. Dismas Catholic Church, 2600 Sunset Ave, Waukegan. Funeral Mass will be Thurs. Oct 10 at St. Dismas, followed by Military Honors. Interment Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to St. Mary Seminary, 1000 E Maple Ave, Mundelein, IL 60060, or the SPRED Ministry at St. Joseph Church, 121 E Maple Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048, would be greatly appreciated. Funeral info (847) 362-2626. Please sign the guestbook at www.libertyvillefunealhome.com