William S. Carey, 72, of Marengo, Illinois, passed away on February 16, 2023, after a brief illness.

Born September 16, 1950 to William Carey and Mary Carey (née Lloyd) in Aurora, Illinois, Bill graduated from West Aurora High School in 1968. He went on to study art at Illinois Wesleyan University, graduating in 1973.

Bill was a painter, illustrator, photographer, and haiku poet who participated in the art community in the western and northwestern suburbs and was a regular at the 4th Friday's art event at the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake. He taught painting and drawing through many organizations over the years, most recently at ArtZilla Studio in Marengo. Over the years, he enjoyed painting portraits and candid slice-of-life moments, as well as sketching political cartoons, humorous illustrations, and observations in everyday life. He also self-published several illustrated books of haiku poetry, including the chapbook A Ghost Walking Through a Dream. Bill was an accomplished practitioner of martial arts over the span of many decades, with competitive accolades in Isshin-Ryū and Aikido, and was an avid lifelong Bears fan.

Bill is survived by his son Michael, daughter Meredith, granddaughter Alexis, sister Patricia, nephew David, and great-nieces and -nephews Desirae, Jake, Sean, and Tyler. He also leaves behind many friends in the art community, in his hometown of Aurora, and in the greater Elgin area.

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, March 5, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY 1801 S. Douglas Road Oswego, Illinois 60543.

Arrangements entrusted to DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY.

For Information 630-554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com