William H. “Bill” Kelmel, 62 of Taylorville, Illinois, passed away at 9:32 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at his home. Bill was born on January 4, 1963, in Taylorville, the son of Harold W. “Shorty” and Frances (Oakley) Kelmel.
Bill graduated from Taylorville High School in the summer of 1981. He joined the United States Air Force on December 7 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Bill served in the Air Force across many states: Robins, GA; Chanute, IL; Eilson, AK; Minot, ND; 183rd Wing, Springfield, IL; Air National Guard, Peoria, IL; ending his military career at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, IL. In January 2004, Master Sergeant William H. Kelmel retired, having served many tours overseas leaving only a small portion of the globe unseen. Bill devoted 22 years of service to his country.
After retiring from the Air Force, Bill held various jobs. While employed at UIC – The Division of Specialized Care of Children, he received a call to come back as a contractor at the 183rd wing in Springfield, IL, where he was currently employed as a jet engine mechanic.
On September 26, 2003, he married his sweetie, Dwanna (Donner) Kelmel at the First United Methodist Church in Taylorville and gave her a fairy tale dream wedding. His pride and joy were his two daughters who blessed him with the advanced title of Papa.
Bill was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed keeping busy. He could often be found hunting with friends and fishing with family. He enjoyed camping and conversating around the fire never missing a chance to connect with those he held dear. He was competitive at the golf course both indoors and outdoors. The St. Louis Cardinals game was always on his radio, and he enjoyed watching Illini basketball on tv with his wife and their cat, Bear.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Dwanna of Taylorville; daughter: Chrissy (Brad) Tellor of Taylorville; son-in-law: Robert Skinner of Taylorville; five grandchildren: Justice Tellor (John Welsh), Bryeson Tellor, Chase Tellor, Madison Skinner, and Mason Tellor; siblings: Philip (Susie) Kelmel of Morrisonville, Ann (Bob) Nation of Stonington, Susan (Kevin) Moomey of Morrisonville, James (Sharon) Kelmel of Morrisonville; mother-in-law: Beverly Donner; brothers-in-law: Dwayne (Carol) Donner and Darian (Kim) Donner and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father; mother and stepfather: Frances (Bob) Frost; daughter: Lindsay Skinner; brothers: Lawrence Kelmel and Dave Kelmel; sister: Brenda Kelmel; nephew: Philip Schwab; and his great great nephew: Knox Gatons.
A celebration of life service will be held at McClure Funeral Home, 302 West Poplar Street in Taylorville at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, with Pastor Brennan Hurley officiating. A visitation will precede the service and begin at 10:00 a.m. Burial with full military honors at Camp Butler in Springfield will immediately follow the service. A reception will follow the burial at Bill and Dwanna’s residence in Taylorville where the family will meet following the interment.
In honor of Bill’s service to our country, patriotic attire is welcome.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian County Animal Control. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
