MT. VERNON, Ill. — Former 54th District state Sen. William “Bill” O’Daniel, 93, passed away Wednesday at Fairfield Memorial Hospital.

O’Daniel served more than two decades in the Illinois General Assembly. During his time in office He built a solid reputation as one of Illinois’ foremost authorities on agricultural issues.

O’Daniel was appointed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter to serve as state executive director of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

O’Daniel served as a member of the Illinois House from 1974-77 and in the Illinois Senate from 1984 until 2002, he was a longtime farmer and businessman, and was a decorated World War II veteran.

Visitation for O’Daniel will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. Friday, November 17, 2017, at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. Interment will military honors will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.