Albert William Coburn

Albert William "Bill" Coburn, 84, of Knoxville, died on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, 1:56 AM at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria. Bill was born January 1, 1932, Galesburg, Illinois. He was the son of Roy and Lucille (Earl) Coburn. He was raised by his grandfather, Albert J. Coburn. On July 17, 1954 he married the love of his life, Marilyn Ann Mummey, in Knoxville. Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn; a daughter, Debbie Duerre of Knoxville; two grandchildren, John (Carla Dorethy) Duerre of Knoxville, and Tammy (Corey) Engle of Cobb, Ca; his great-granddaughter, Lilith Engle, who was the joy of his life. He is preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters. Bill was a 1951 graduate of Galesburg High School. He worked as a laborer at Maytag of Galesburg, retiring in 1995. Bill was a member of the First Christian Church of Knoxville, and also served as a deacon. He loved to collect antiques, and loved to restore Cushman Motor Scooters and owned several motorcycles. He was a member of the Galesburg Model Airplane Club, Cushman Club of America, Vintage Motor Bike Club, Spoon River Tractor Club, AJs and Matchless motorcycle clubs. He enjoyed playing bingo; but what he loved among anything was being able to spend time with his family and sharing stories of his upbringing. Per Bill’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2016, 11 am, at the First Christian Church Knoxville. A burial of cremated remains will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. Memorials in Bill’s honor may be given to the family to decide on a charity at a later date.