William "Billy" Joseph Hamer

William “Billy” Joseph Hamer, 76, of Geneseo, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at his home.  Cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Inspire Continuing Care, 218 S. State Street, PO Box 192, Geneseo, IL, 61254.

Billy was born November 7, 1947, the son of William and Mary Jane (DeDecker) Hamer, Jr, in Geneseo, IL.  He graduated from Atkinson High School and earned an associate’s degree from Black Hawk East College, Kewanee, where he played basketball.  He proudly served in the Illinois National Guard.  His hobbies included collecting sports cards, trivia, watching the Cubs and Red Sox, playing poker, and playing and coaching softball.  He especially enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s sporting events.  In 2014, Billy was inducted into the ASA Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame as the manager, along with his Snicks teammates.  He was employed as a meat inspector for the Department of Agriculture, retiring in 2009.  He also was a junior high and high school basketball coach for the Annawan School District.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sons, Jarrod (Erin) Hamer of Geneseo, IL and Jade Hamer of Germantown Hills, IL; grandchildren, Paige, Brady, Kane, Lexi, and Brooks; and siblings, Bonnie (Steve) VanHyfte of Annawan, Jill Hamer of Geneseo, Mike (Molly) Hamer of Geneseo, Ted (Heidi) Hamer of Geneseo, and Jay Hamer of Tiskilwa, IL, and several nieces and nephews.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Jane Hamer, Jr.

The family would like to thank Dr. VanKerrebroeck and the Fresenius Kidney Center staff.  A special thank you to his nurse, Kate, for her excellent care.