William Blank

William Charles "Bill" Blank, 78, of Cape Girardeau passed away Sunday, July 27, 2014, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Oct. 10, 1935, in Cape Girardeau to Charles Paul and Gladys Whitticre Blank.

He was baptized at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Cape Girardeau.

Upon graduation from Central High School, Bill went directly into service by enlisting in the Air Force. He served four years, one of those in Korea. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Air Force Longevity Service Award.

Bill received training and became a tour bus driver, first with Gulf Transport but most of his many years with Eggemeyer in Chester, Illinois. He took great pride being in charge of his bus and all the passengers. On many of the trips, Sherron Alexander would be his tour guide director. She and her husband, Howard, became very dear friends. He drove all of the states, including Alaska. Bill always said his favorite was New England when the fall leaves were turning their autumn hues.

Those who rode on a tour with Bill as their driver would always come home saying he was the best driver, always on time, no sudden starts or stops, had your luggage waiting on you and would be standing by the bus steps to help you on or off. Often times he would be requested for their driver, especially for Panorama Tours with Norman Huhn.

Survivors include nieces, Deena Ring of Cape Girardeau and Nancy (Fred) Harms of Pekin, Illinois; nephews, Scott (Lisa) Blank of Cape Girardeau and Jim (Jessie) Gunn of Rolla, Missouri; dear friend, Sherron Alexander of Jackson; and sister-in-law, Gaye Blank of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and a brother.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until time of service Tuesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Stan Hargis officiating. Burial will be in Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau with full military honors by the Missouri Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.