William R. Hewitt, 86, Heritage Manor, Minonk, died at 10:45 p.m. Thursday (July 7, 2011) at Heritage Manor of Minonk.

His graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Minonk Township Cemetery, Minonk, with full military rites accorded by Minonk American Legion. The Rev. Frank Silas will officiate. Memorials may be made to Heritage Manor of Minonk. Calvert-Johnson & Froelich Memorial Home, Minonk, is in charge of arrangements.

William was born July 30, 1924, at Minonk, son of William H and Elizabeth Roberts Hewitt.

Surviving are one sister, Margaret Kazmarek, Willow Brook; one brother, Jim (Marjo) Hewitt, Oak Brook; and three nephews, Ethan, Seth and Noah. His parents preceded him in death.

William graduated from Minonk Township High School and attended Illinois State University. After ISU, he served his country in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a staff sergeant during World War II. He was a gunner on a B-17 in the 15th Air Force. He received the Air Medal with an oak leaf cluster; the European Theater Ribbon, with five Bronze Stars; the Good Conduct Medal; the American Theater ribbon; and the Victory medal. He had served mostly in Africa and Italy.

After the service, he returned to Minonk and operated the Hewitt Store.

William was a Boy Scout, a member of the Rob Morris Masonic Lodge, the Minonk American Legion and VFW, and the National Rifle Association.