William Joseph "Billy Joe" Gaetti, age 88, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 10:22 A.M. on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at his home in Centralia, Illinois.  He was born on July 15, 1929 in Centralia, Illinois, the son of the late Leno Gaetti, Robert Hemmerlein and Ola (Stater) Gaetti Hemmerlein .  He married Jacqueline F. "Jackie" Shahan on November 21, 1953 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois and she survives him in Centralia, Illinois.

In addition to his wife of 63 years, Mr. Gaetti is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Simmons and husband David of Springfield, Illinois; son, Gary Gaetti and wife Joni of Sugar Land, Texas; seven grandchildren, Joseph Gaetti and wife Ashley, Jacob Gaetti, Gigi Gaetti, Ariana Merari, Stuart Simmons, Laura Simmons and Robert Simmons; one great grandson, Luca Gaetti; one sister, Joann "Pat" Kusturin of Centralia, Illinois; several nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends, Herb Patterson and Don Baldridge.

Mr. Gaetti was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Joseph Gaetti and Mary Ann Gaetti and brother-in-law, Michael P. Kusturin.

Mr. Gaetti was a member of the First Apostolic Church in Centralia, Illinois.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving his country during the Korean War.   He loved sports, including coaching his son's Little League Teams.  He attended the Holiday Tournament every year.  He enjoyed playing pool.  He would go to the library and read the big city newspapers to keep up on the daily sports events and national news.  He liked meeting his friends on Tuesdays and Thursdays for their time of coffee at McDonalds.  He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Mr. Gaetti retired on August 1, 1989 as a supervisor from Illinois Central Railroad after 41 years of service. He graduated with Centralia Township High School's Class of 1947. He lived all of his life in Centralia, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Jonathan Urshan officiating.  Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park near Centralia, Illinois.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Centralia American Post 446 and V.F.W. Post 2055.  Family and friends are invited to visit with Mr. Gaetti's family from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Monday, August 28, 2017 at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Gaetti's memory to the Charity of Donor's Choice and will be received by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mr. Gaetti's family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the funeral home's Facebook page.