William Dee “Bill” Switzer, 92, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 3:15 pm on Monday, September 22, 2025.

Born on August 16, 1933 in Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, Bill was the son of William “Dee” and Helen Switzer, Sr. He married Laura Barnard on August 10, 1957 in Grand Tower, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his brother, Paul T. “Ted” Switzer.

Bill proudly served in the United States Navy, where he witnessed the first test of a hydrogen bomb on November 1, 1952, at Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands. After his military service, he earned his degree from Murray State and went on to a 33-year career with Country Companies Insurance.

Bill was a longtime member of Central Christian Church and Masonic Lodge #444, originally based in Cave-In-Rock. He found joy in crossword puzzles, sports, small game hunting, and deer hunting.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Laura, and their three sons: Joe (Tammy) Switzer of Bloomington, Illinois, Jeff (Loretta) Switzer of Mount Vernon, and John (Marilyn) Switzer of Flower Mound, Texas. Bill was the proud grandfather of Jake, Justen, Josh, Jordan, and Lauren, and great-grandfather to Jayden. He also leaves behind many cherished family members, including a special relationship with nieces, Marla Berger and Marilyn Nelle Douglas.

A Greeting of Family and Friends will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. Inurnment will take place at Cave Hill Cemetery in Cave-In-Rock, Illinois at a later date.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.