William E. "Bill" Toops, 82 of Keokuk died Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at his home. He was born June 25, 1934 in rural Alexandria, MO the son of John Earl and Nellie Katherine Dennison Toops. He first united in marriage to Colette Lillard in 1957. They later divorced. Bill was united in marriage to Barbara Dietsch Dougherty on May 5, 1979 in Mt. Pleasant, IA. She survives. Other survivors include, three daughters, Toni Nichols (Dean) of Keokuk, Vicki Somoza (Carlos) of Tehachapi, CA and Sheri Brothers (Ed) of Gillette, WY, one son, Jerry Toops (Lisa) of St. Francisville, MO, two step-daughters, Kim Dougherty of Keokuk and Karen Davis (Jim) of St. Francisville, MO, one step-son, Robert Dougherty (Heather Brady) of Des Moines, IA, fifteen grandchildren, Morgan Malone (Jason) of St. Francisville, MO, Cody Glasgow (Haley Jones) of Montrose, IA, Anna Collins (Levi) of Farmington, IA, Carlos Ryan Somoza of Tehachapi, CA, Sara Ward (Bryan Morrell) of St. Louis, MO, Tommy Nichols (K-Lynn) of Keokuk, Will Nichols (Carissa Gipe) of Ursa, IL, Elisabeth Pomeroy (Jesse) of Cedar Rapids, IA, Andrew Brothers, (Heather) of Camp Pendleton, CA, Tanner, Tara and Tucker Toops all of St. Francisville, MO, Lucy Dougherty of Winterset, IA, Alex Dougherty, of Winterset, IA and Quinn Dougherty of Des Moines, IA, nine great-grandchildren, Rowan Malone, Parker Collins, Lucia Somoza, Gage Rojan, Rylie, Ryan, and Dylan Brothers, Oliver Nichols and Laine Pomeroy and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Dick, Donnie and Larry Toops, six sisters, Florence Six, Dorothy Roberts, Marjory Griffith, Berty Brewer, Tootie Swafford and Betty Walker and one great-grandson in infancy, Timothy Nichols. Bill had been employed at Sheller Globe in Keokuk for forty years until his retirement. He enjoyed spending time outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing and metal detecting. A graveside service was held at 10 a.m., Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Sand Cemetery in St. Francisville, MO with Pastor Shawn McAfee officiating