William Frank Bent, 99 of Paxton, passed away at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, September 9, 2018, at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, September 14, 2018, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells Street, Paxton with Rev. Rachel Stockle officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Champaign.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 11:30-12:30 p.m. Friday at Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton.

Mr. Bent was born March 14, 1919 in Bondville, the son of Harry and Eva Wilson Bent. He married Mitsuko "Lucy" Ishii April 19, 1954 in Tokyo, Japan. She preceded him in death on Saturday, September 8, 2018, 19 hours earlier.

He is survived by two nieces, Katherine Bent of Racine, Wisconsin, Barbara Bent of Spokane, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Jack, Raymond and Edgar; and two sisters-in-law, Julia Bent and Dorothy Bent.

Bill's family moved to Champaign when he was eleven. He graduated from Champaign High School in 1939. He served in the U. S. Air Force from 1940 to 1970. He served in the Southwest Pacific during World War II and Korea 1952-1953. He also served two years on the Mission for Aid to Turkey 1948-50. Bill retired with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant in 1970.

After military retirement, Bill earned an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts at Parkland College. Later on, he spent a limited amount of time working at Chanute Air Force Base.

Bill enjoyed sports and was proud to be a "Go Illini" fan. While in grade school he just missed seeing Red Grange play. He did get to see Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Ted Williams play. He also enjoyed reading and writing.

Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor's choice. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com .