William Maurice "Bill" Vessels

William Maurice “Bill” Vessels, 79, of Ekron, KY, passed away Monday, January 5, in Elizabethtown, KY.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, a commitment that reflected his lifelong values of discipline, loyalty, and service. Following his military service, he built a distinguished career in manufacturing and engineering. He worked for Olin Chemical and International Harvester before completing a 23-year career with General Motors, where he was a respected industrial engineer known for his strong work ethic, technical expertise, and dedication to excellence. He retired after many years of service, leaving a legacy of professionalism and craftsmanship.

A lifelong Corvette enthusiast, Bill had a deep appreciation for American engineering, performance, and horsepower. He was never shy about his love for Corvettes and enjoyed talking cars with anyone willing to listen. His passion for automobiles was matched only by his pride in his family.

Bill was a Kentucky Colonel and once a 4th Degree member of The Knights of Columbus.

Bill was married for 52 years to his devoted wife, Kathy (McFeely Brown) Vessels. He was deeply family-oriented and took great joy in bragging about his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, Bill valued time spent with family above all else and was known for his steadfast presence and unwavering support.

Bill was passionate about his pets, particularly his dogs Bonnee, Lai Lai, and Spike.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Laurence Vessels and Lillian M. Vessels of Rhodelia, KY, and by his sister, Joann Marie (Vessels) Bruner.

Survivors include his loving wife, Kathy (McFeely Brown) Vessels; his five children, Donna (Whalin) Hiles, Joseph Whalin, Tanya (Brown) Ray-Caldera, William Eric Vessels, and Stephen Wayne Brown; two sisters, Marilyn (P.D.) Matthews and Geraldine Kingstone; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Hager Funeral Home in Brandenburg, KY on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 9:00 AM until the time of service.  A funeral service will be held at Hager Funeral Home on Saturday at 11 am.

His life was marked by service, integrity, great kindness, and generosity, along with an enduring love for his family, values that will continue through the generations he leaves behind.