William M. “Bill” Wakefield, 80, slipped into eternal peace at his home on Ogden Street in East Liverpool early Monday morning, April 13, 2015. He was surrounded at the time of his death by his family, who lovingly cared for him throughout his lengthy illness.

Born at home in Steubenville on December 8, 1934, he was a son of the late James M. and Elizabeth Matthews Wakefield. Bill served with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and later worked as a loader for Crucible Steel Corporation for over 23 years. He had also worked at American Steel in Alliance until his retirement.

Bill placed his family first on his priority list, and was considered “their rock”, but he also loved fixing up cars, and refurbishing hubcaps that he collected over the years. He was happy just being at home with his wife, kids, grandkids… and his dogs.

He is survived by his wife, Celestial “Carol” Smoot Wakefield, whom he married on November 8, 1958.

Also surviving are two daughters and a son: Beth Ann Wakefield, Cheryl Lynn Capraruolo, and William Wakefield, all of East Liverpool. Another son, Thomas M. Wakefield, passed away on January 7, 1978.

There are three grandchildren: Amie Prager; Mia Rose and her husband, Roy; and Eric Capraruolo and his wife, Lindsey. Ten great-grandchildren also survive, with #11 expected soon.

In addition to his parents and his son, Bill was preceded in death by two sisters, Anna Mae Warrick and Edna Fleckenstein, along with two brothers, Carl St. Clair and Thomas Shields Wakefield, who was his twin. Bill was also preceded by his “chosen brother”, Lewis O’Dell, with whom he shared a special bond. Lewis’ wife, Freda, survives.

Friends may visit at the Dawson Funeral Home on Wednesday, where the family will be present from 2 to 8 p.m.

Pastor Ernest Peachey of the Second Baptist Church will officiate at a funeral service to be held at the funeral home at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

Bill will be laid to rest at Mill Creek Hill Cemetery, where the Tri-State Veterans Burial Group will provide full military honors.