John William "Bill" Hume passed away on December 9, 2007 at Trinity Medical Center-West Campus, Rock Island, surrounded by his family. His dear wife, Jackie Hume, cared for him in his final years when Alzheimer's dimmed, but never extinguished, his characteristic wit and humor. Bill was born in 1920 in Wyaconda, Missouri, the son of Hubert and Hazel (Aulphin) Hume. He grew up there and in Fort Madison, Iowa. He was decorated for his service in the Army in Europe during WWII, an experience which generated many stories in later life. In 1947 he married Lillian Winke, who preceded him in death in 1976. Bill was founder and president of Hume Construction Equipment in Bettendorf until his retirement in 1987. Bill and Jackie married in 1979. Their combined family includes Mick Hume (Chris) of Moline, Roxanne Smith (William) of East Moline, Lisa Warren of Silvis, Kelly Hume (Barbara) of Bainbridge Island WA, Sandra Hume (Mark Butnuh) of South Pasadena CA. Bill was proud of his seven grandchildren; Brandy Mangels (Trent), Stephanie Warren, Erika Warren, Amanda Hume, Ryan Hume, Julia Anderson and Claire Anderson. He also leaves two great-grandchildren, Rayne Mangels and a new baby who will be born in January of 2008. Funeral services are 11 AM Thursday at First Christian Church, East Moline. Burial is in Rock Island National Cemetery. Visitation is 4-7 PM Wednesday at Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd., East Moline. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) In addition to his wife Lillian, his parents and sisters Bernadine Schleif and Judith Oppenheimer precede him in death.