William Tavernor January 12, 1943 - May 28, 2023, 

William "Bill" Tavernor, 80, of Girard, passed away on Monday, May 29, 2023, at his residence.
Bill was born on January 12, 1943, in Springfield, the son of Thomas Joseph and Mary Kathleen Murphy Tavernor.

Bill was a graduate of Springfield High School. He worked for the Operator's Union before becoming a patrolman with the Springfield Police Department in 1972 and retiring as detective in 2000. Bill coached little league baseball at Fairview Park in Springfield for over 20 years, and he additionally served as state commissioner for several of those years. He was a big fan of the Boston Red Sox and loved to critique the St. Louis Cardinals games play by play to anyone who would listen. He also enjoyed photography, tinkering with various construction projects, and sharing his love of fishing to those who visited his lake home. Bill delighted in making those around him laugh with his ample supply of jokes, one-liners and sarcasm.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Thomas Stanley and John "Jack" Tavernor; and sisters, Jean Costello and Marie "Taffy" Jacaway; along with the love of his life, Norma "Hope" Wilkinson.
He is survived by his son, Jeffrey (wife, Faith) Tavernor of Sherman; one daughter, Christina (husband, Brian) Parker of Springfield; five grandchildren, Brittany (husband, Matt) Johnson, Ashley Tavernor, Stephanie Patterson, Courtney Tavernor, and T.J. Patterson; two great-grandchildren, Brayden and Rylee Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.
Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, with Rev. Daniel J. Bergbower, V.F., celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in New Berlin, IL.