Billie “Bill” Earl Towell, 87, passed away on February 12, 2026, at home in Carmi surrounded by his family. He was born on June 23, 1938, in Chelsea, OK, the son of Dean and Zelma (Macomb) Towell. Bill graduated from Garber High School in 1956.
Bill married Mickey (Malone) Towell on September 3,1960 and together they raised six children – Sandi, Missy, Patricia “Pete,” Tammy, Billy, and Jennifer – during their 56 years of marriage. The original girl dad, Bill, spent Sundays and every holiday tying bows and shining shoes before church. Bill cared for his family with steadiness and a deep sense of responsibility. His love was quiet but constant – the kind that shows up every day and never asks to be noticed.
Bill had a long career in the oil fields in roles from petroleum technician to district manager. He retired from Citation Oil & Gas in 2004. In retirement, he enjoyed boating and spending time with family at his home on Lake Barkley.
He lived a life of quiet service, steady love, and deep devotion to his wife and family. His influence continues in the lives he touched.
Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Mickey, son Billy, and sister Judy (Towell) Crawford. He is survived by his children, Sandi (Rick) Swindler of Louisville, KY, Missy (David) Higginson of Carmi, Patricia “Pete” (Steve) Elliott of Louisville, KY, Tammy (Bret) Parks of Carmi, and Jennifer (Nik) Taylor of Winthrop Harbor, IL; grandchildren Ashley (Derek) Bauer, Whitney (Cassie) Zenner, Jonathan (Mindy) Girot, Courtney (Jeremy) Wix, Jake (Eunice Choi) Higginson, Regan (Eric) Bleemel, Brady Puntney, Nick (Kelsey) Weems, Samantha (Dustin) Bramlet, Peighton (Cody) Masterson, Mason Towell, Corey Taylor, and Maggie Taylor; 21 great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law Sandi & Dan Price of Herrod, IL; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services for Bill Towell, 87, of Carmi will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, February 16, 2026 at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Burial will be in St. Polycarp Cemetery in Carmi, Visitation will be held at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi from 10:00 a.m. until time of service time at noon on Monday, February 16, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to We Love White County and will be accepted at the funeral home or can be mailed to Campbell Funeral Home, 609 W. Main St., Carmi, IL 62821
