William Neil Vallow

Born on January 9, 1935 to William and Effie Vallow, William "Bill" Vallow lived a long, full life and entered Heaven on July 16, 2024.

Bill was a loving and devoted husband to Carol, his wife of 62 years until her passing in 2019. They were married in August of 1956 only months before he began two years of service in the United States Army, primarily utilized as an armored tank mechanic. Prior to being stationed in Germany, Bill became a father and he and Carol began the joyful task of raising their four daughters - Linda, Karen, Nancy and Donna.

Bill's professional training took place at the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan. Launching his career at Kickert Chevrolet in the south suburbs, he then moved on to work for many years as service manager at Bill Becker Chevrolet in Chicago. A long desire to start his own business was satisfied when he opened Sparks Tune Up in 1985, which he operated until 2005. Not just because of his unparalleled expertise in fixing cars, but countless customers trusted their cars to him because he could be relied on for his honesty and trustworthiness.

Automotive repair defined his career but devotion to fire service was his true life's passion. Beginning in 1951 as a 16 year old cadet for the East Hazel Crest Fire Department, the remainder of his life was marked by dedicated service to the community. He was appointed to the position of Fire Chief in 1966 and served in that capacity for 48 of his 73 years on the department. In his latter years, although physically unable to respond to emergency calls, the village relied on his exceptional leadership and extensive knowledge in fire service - keeping him in the position of Fire Chief until the day of his passing.

Bill's life could easily be summarized by three F's. Fixing, Fire and Family. He took great pleasure in spending time with his wife Carol and daughters. Time spent at the family cottage on Scott Lake in Michigan allowed him to unplug from work and community service. Boating, water skiing, swimming and simply relaxing together as a family were cherished times. Later in life, as the family grew exponentially with grandchildren and great grandchildren joining him at the lake, it was commonplace to hear him emphatically say, "It doesn't get any better than this."

His family experience also included close knit ties to his four brothers - Tom, Tim, Ken and Gerry, all of whom served side by side with him as volunteers on the East Hazel Crest Fire Department. Their dad, William "Buck" Vallow set the example as he had also volunteered on the department. Offspring of the brothers have entered the profession of law enforcement and fire service. The Vallow name has long been synonymous with dedicated service to the community.

William "Bill" Vallow will be remembered for his devotion to family, dedication to his community and the great number of lives he touched along the way. He will be deeply missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents William "Buck" and Effie Vallow, his wife Carol (nee Brand), his brothers Tom, Tim and Ken Vallow. He is survived by daughters Linda (David) Daniels, Karen (Tom) McElhinney, Nancy (Dan) Smith, Donna (Steve) Preston, fifteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, his brother Gerry Vallow and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In honor of his lifelong devotion to the East Hazel Crest Fire Department, please consider making a memorial contribution. Gifts may be directed to the East Hazel Crest Fire Department (17223 S. Throop Street, East Hazel Crest IL 60429).