William A. "Bill" Southwell

William “Bill” Southwell, age 72 of Clare, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at the Henry Ford Hospital of Detroit, surrounded by his family. On October 13, 1953, Bill was born the son of Harold and Mabel (Hoisington) Southwell in Lansing, MI. Bill’s childhood and early adult years were spent in Webberville, where he was a graduate from the Webberville High School Class of 1971. He was united in marriage to Joan Wainright on June 20, 1980 in Mason, MI, and together they shared forty-five cherished years. In 1985, Bill and Joan moved from Lansing to Clare where Bill had a work opportunity for the State of Michigan as an assistant manager of the John C. Mackie Rest Area—a career that Bill enjoyed for thirty-five years up to his retirement in 2010. In his younger years, Bill enjoyed pheasant hunting and taking trips with Joan to hike the White Mountains in New Hampshire. His lifelong passions included his love for vegetable gardening, collecting antiques, classic automobiles, and a love for woodworking—specifically carving toy cars for his grandchildren. Bill is survived by his wife Joan Southwell of Clare and their children Katherine (Raymond) First of Mt. Pleasant and Andrew (Erin) Southwell of Midland. Other survivors include Bill’s grandchildren Elijah First of Mt. Pleasant and Vivian and Lennox Southwell of Midland and his sister-in-law Laurie Southwell of Webberville. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Mabel Southwell and his brother Harold Southwell, Jr. A funeral service in honor of Bill, will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the Clare Church of the Nazarene at 12:00 P.M. with Pastor Brian Farmer officiating. A time of visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 12:00 P.M. A graveside committal for Bill will be held in Fowlerville’s Greenwood Cemetery on Friday, October 24th at 10:30 A.M., where Bill will be laid to rest alongside his parents. To honor Bill’s love for nature and trees, memorial contributions made in his memory are encouraged to the Arbor Day Foundation, or the Clare Church of the Nazarene. For those unable to attend services, online condolences may be shared at www.stephenson-wyman.com

William A. "Bill" Southwell

October 13, 1953 - October 16, 2025