William R. "Buddy" Shea

William R. “Buddy” Shea, 78, of Wataga, Illinois, died at 4:50 p.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Seminary Manor after a short battle with cancer.

Buddy was born June 27, 1946 in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Constance Mae (Kneeream) and William Michael Shea. After graduating high school, Buddy, enlisted in the US Navy on March 14, 1967 and was honorably discharged on November 15, 1971. While serving in the Navy he began working at Butler, MFG, eventually retiring in 2004. He married Helen Marie Sandry on October 17, 1970 in Galesburg.

Buddy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Helen, of Wataga; one son, Damon (Beth) Shea of Oneida, Illinois; one daughter, Martha Shea of Galesburg; his beloved two grandchildren, Mallory Shea and Brady Shea; one brother, Dennis Shea of Henderson, Illinois; and one sister, Linda Colwell of Georgetown, Texas. Including his parents, Buddy was preceded in death by one sister, Hazel Stewart; and one brother, Daniel Shea.

Buddy was a longtime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Galesburg. In his free time, he loved being with his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed being around the house tending to different projects. A lover of Christmas, Buddy enjoyed decorating both the inside and outside of his home every year.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, September 16, 2024 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Father Jeffrey Stirniman will officiate. Burial with military rites will follow at Wataga Twp. Cemetery, Wataga, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society or to the Galesburg Police Department Shop with a Cop.