William E. "Bill" Janes III, 57, passed away at 6:28am on Friday, April 15, 2011 at Barnes - Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born on September 22, 1953 in Alton, Illinois the son of Lorene McKean Janes of East Alton and the late William E. Janes Jr. He married the former Melodie Thomas on April 21, 1979 in Bethalto and she survives. Other survivors include two sons and daughters in law: William E. and Michelle Janes of Belleville and David and Amanda Janes of Wood River, and was PawPaw to his one granddaughter: Josie Janes of Wood River, one brother and sister in law: Mark and Kathy Janes of Wood River, several nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

He was instrumental in the development of the Madison County 911 system and was employed by Madison County 911 since 1999. 

He was a member of the Lewis and Clark Amateur Radio Club. He was a longtime volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America. He volunteered at many local police and fire departments. He was a member of the Emergency Management Mobile Command Unit.

He was preceded in death by his father: William E. Janes Jr., his maternal grandparents: Pearl and Willard McKean, and his paternal grandparents: Esther and William Janes Sr..

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 3pm to 8pm on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be at 11am Monday, April 18, 2011 at the funeral home. Pastor Mark Thomas and V. Rev. James Ellison will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Patches & Badges for Kids and will be accepted at the funeral home.