Bill “Sweece” Portell of Cadet, Missouri was born on Friday, April 11, 1930 Granite City, Illinois a son of the late, Edna Mary (Battreal) Portell and Ralph Edward Portell. Bill departed this life on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at the Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri having reached the age of eighty-two years, one month and two days.
Bill is survived by one daughter, Jo Ann of Florida; stepdaughter, Jackie of Florida; two sisters, Mary Bernadine Stewart and husband, Wesley of Imperial, Missouri, Elizabeth “Liz” Matthews of Farmington, Missouri; three brothers, Edward Portell and wife, Maurine of Owensville, Missouri, Lionel Portell and wife, Rose of Belleville, Illinois, Allen Portell and wife, Meg of Earlwood, NSW Australia; special friend, Linda Mitchell of Cadet, Missouri; also surviving are nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by one sister, Shelba Sitch.
Bill served his country by enlisting into the United States Marine Corps on June 21, 1948 serving in the Korean War and was discharged on July 16, 1952. He then enlisted into the Air Force for a short time on April 10, 1953 and was discharged September 15, 1953. Bill then re-enlisted into the Marine Corps on July 10, 1961 serving in Vietnam and was honorably discharged on July 9, 1971.
Bill loved to talk on his CB radio with friends all over the world, with his handle being “Snowball”. He enjoyed going to shooting matches and spending time with his friends, especially during area church picnics. Bill or “Sweece” as he was know also enjoyed going to Sayers Senior Center, gardening and fishing. Another one of his favorite pastimes was watching Cardinals Baseball and wrestling on TV. Bill was a very kind hearted giving man who will be greatly missed by all.
Visitation was held Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Friday, May 18, 2012 from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the Moore Funeral Home, Potosi, Missouri.
A Funeral Service was held Friday, May 18, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the Moore Memorial Chapel, Potosi, Missouri with Father Ted Pieper officiating.
Burial took place in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri at 1:30 PM May 18, 2012 where Bill received full military honors consisting of a firing party, taps, folding and presentation of the American Flag. Serving as pallbearers were: Josh Matthews, Ron Matthews and Military Personnel from Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Services were Entrusted to the Care and Direction of the Moore Funeral Homes, 105 Clark Street, Potosi, Missouri.







