William “Bill” Laurell, 81, of Coldwater and formerly of Quincy, passed away Monday, November 28, 2022, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born July 30, 1941 in Allen to Albert and Viola (Avery) Laurell.
Bill married his high school sweetheart Phylliss Owens on July 3, 1960. He worked for General Cable in Quincy for 10 years and Quality Aluminum for two years before he started delivering fuel for Briner Oil Company out of Hillsdale. In 1972, Bill and Phylliss purchased their own fuel business, Laurell Oil Company, that they retired from after 37 years in 2007.
Bill was a lifetime and honorary member of the Branch County Fair and Jr. Livestock Association. He served on the Branch County Jr. Livestock Association Board for eight years and then moved on to serve on the Branch County Fair Board for 16 years serving as the Jr. Livestock liaison. During that time, he helped build the swine and sheep barns, photo barn and assisted with various other improvement projects throughout the fairgrounds.
In addition, Bill and Phylliss started the County line 4-H Club and served as organizational leaders for over 20 years. He was dedicated to helping youth gain valuable lifetime experience through both 4-H and FFA.
Bill and Phylliss were Grand Marshalls of the Branch County Fair. Bill is an honorary member of the Michigan FFA Association. He volunteered for many years judging state proficiency awards and working at the state poultry contest. He also received the Quincy Rotary Club Service above Self Award. In addition, he served in multiple leadership positions for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Quincy. Bill enjoyed farming, gardening, hunting, fishing and bowling whenever he could.
Surviving besides his wife, Phylliss are three daughters, Carolyn (Blake) Dymond, Denise (Steve Pelham) Bowerman and Debra (Brent) Schmucker; grandchildren, Jonathan (Hannah) Musgrove, Daniel Musgrove, Ryan (Nicole) Cox and Sydney Schmucker; two step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sisters, Jeanette Sattler and Nancy Kaiser; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brother-in laws, Philip Sattler and William Kaiser.
Funeral services for William Laurell will be held Friday, December 2, 2022, at 11:30 AM at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Quincy with Pastor Mark Case officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Quincy. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-8 PM and again Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of service.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Branch County Fair. For online condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.
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