William Harrison Hamrick, 93, of O'Fallon, born January 1, 1919 in Wyanet, Ill., died Saturday morning, August 18, 2012 at Cedar Ridge Health Care Center in Lebanon, Ill.

Mr. Hamrick graduated from Wyanet High School, attended the University of Illinois, before joining the Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War II. His lengthy and successful military career included serving as a navigation officer on B-17s in the South Pacific. As a SAC navigator, he survived a plane crash while on a mission mapping islands.

After retiring from the Air Force as a decorated Lt. Colonel, Mr. Hamrick worked with Motorola, overseeing military and government contracts. Since 1964, he and his family have resided in the O'Fallon community. Eventually, he developed an interest in local real estate. For several decades, he worked with real estate investments and development.

His self-learned skills were based on his belief that a handshake represented your word and commitment. He contributed his longevity to his hard work and always staying busy.

Mr. Hamrick was preceded in death by his first wife, Eloise M. Hamrick, his son, William V. Hamrick, his parents, John L. Sullivan Hamrick and Minnie, nee House, Hamrick, three brothers and five sisters.

Surviving is his wife, LaValleiere Dumont-Hamrick and her family; his daughter, Alona M. Daudel of Apple Valley, Calif., and his son John L. Hamrick of Troy, Ill., step-children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations are suggested to Siteman Cancer Center for breast cancer research in memory of his first wife Eloise or a charity of your choice.

Funeral Service: Graveside Service, with military honors, will be 10:00 am, Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.