William A. Dame

November 23, 1934 - December 23, 2020

William A. Dame, 86 years, of Columbia, IL, passed away on December 23, 2020. He was born November 23, 1934, in East St. Louis, IL, son of the late Laurence M. and Viola A., nee Suever, Dame. He was married to the late Brenda J. Dame for 44 years. She had passed away February 16, 2018. William was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and has a BS Degree in Secondary Education, and had also attended SIU - Edwardsville for elementary education. He had taught in Engelwood CO, Marissa, IL, and Columbia Unit #4 School District (1971-1994), including grades 3 through 6, and mostly 5th grade, for more than 34 years. He had served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at a military hospital in France. William and his loving wife were the founders and owners of Creative Kids, Inc., for over 30 years, along with operating Dame Properties, Ltd., Along with his wife, they were tireless advocates for the well-being of children and provided a safe, happy learning environment locally. He was a member of the Troy United Methodist Church, and the NEA. He was a voracious reader and never stopped learning and teaching. William and his wife were longtime members of the Missouri Botanical Garden with a love of nature, and avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fans. Surviving are his two daughters, Karrie (Kenneth) Goleaner of Columbia, IL, and Kimberly (Steven) Roedl of Columbia, IL; grandchildren, Samuel Steven Roedl, Benjamin Dame Roedl, Brooke Karoline Daniel, and Blake William Daniel; sister, Evelyn Hemmens, St. Joseph, MO; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, facial covering and social distancing will be maintained.Visitation will be Wednesday, December 30, 2020, 9:30 am - 11:30 am, at Life Community Church, Columbia, IL. Funeral Services will be held 11:30 am, following the visitation, with Pastor Jamey Bridges, officiating. Interment will follow in the Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery, Columbia, IL. Memorial contributions be directed to: Columbia Public Library Fund, or, the Missouri Botanical Garden. For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Lawlor Funeral Home, Columbia, IL, handled arrangements.