12/17/2025
Powell County Lions Club is beyond heartbroken for the loss of Bill Cress. Bill was an integral part of our club for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends.
Funeral Services for William "Bill" Cress will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Stanton Christian Church at 3:00 P.M. For more details regarding his arrangements, please select the link below.
https://www.hearnefuneralhome.com/obituaries/william-bill-cress
William Marvin Cress, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones at his home in Clay City, Kentucky. He was born on Thursday, March 19, 1942, in Stanton, Kentucky, to the late Omer Cress and the late Helen Bush Cress. Bill was a member of the Clay City Methodist Church and faithfully attended the Stanton Christian Church, where his faith and community spirit shone brightly. He held several leadership roles, having served as the President and Secretary of the Powell County Lions Club, and was the former Vice-President of the Powell County Industrial Authority. His active involvement extended to the Powell County Jay-Cees, where he served as President, and as a Board Member of the Clay City Fire Department. In addition, he contributed his insights as a former member of the Clark County Medical Center Board of Directors. His dedication to fostering tourism in the area was recognized as he was named the 2024 Powell County Tourism Commission Living Legend. Outside of his civic duties, Bill found joy on the golf course, reveled in the excitement of University of Kentucky Basketball, and cherished watching Cincinnati Reds Baseball games. But above all his numerous accomplishments, it was his deep love for his family that defined him. He held his dear wife, daughter, and grandchildren nearest to his heart, creating lasting memories as they traveled together. A gentle man by nature, Bill was a well-respected pillar of the community, known for his wit and quiet charm. His educational journey began at the University of Kentucky, where he studied Engineering. He started his career with the Kentucky Highway Department, District 10, as a Material Engineer. Over 53 years at Hinkle Contracting Company, he rose to the esteemed position of Executive Vice President, leaving a lasting legacy in the industry. Proudly, he was a graduate of the Powell County High School class of 1959, a milestone that marked the beginning of a life dedicated to service and excellence. In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his daughter, Carmen Maria Cress; and two brothers, Donald Cress and Lloyd Cress. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Donna Sue Tipton Cress, of Clay City; two grandchildren: Will (Alison) Martin and Gabriella (Jacob) Martin, both of Lexington; one brother-in-law, Mendel (Debbie) Tipton; one sister-in-law, Karen Caldwell; and one great-grandchild, Philip Martin. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Hearne Funeral Home, 125 West College Avenue, Stanton, Kentucky. Funeral services, officiated by Bro. Greg Webb and Bro. Kim Rose will be held at Stanton Christian Church, 100 West Church Street, Stanton, Kentucky, at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Burial will be held at Stanton Cemetery in Stanton, Kentucky, with Chad Bush, Timmy Tipton, Geordan Brewer, Jack Cress, David O'Hair, Taylor Sorrels, Adam Stowe, and Alan Tipton serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Tyler Cress, Ben Rose, Sam Stowe, Rusty Cress, Doug Cress, James Ed and Katie Dennis, Phil and Zelma Lambert, Emily Brewer, Billy Joe and Debbie Bush, Matthew Pelfrey, Susan Smith, Dorsey and Mona Hall, Elliott Dickinson, Tom Hinkle, Henry Hinkle, Steven Lee, Richard "Butch" Ledford, Larry Winkleman, Tom Ralston, Ronnie Everman, Danny Everman, Willie Griffith, Donnie Spencer, current and former Hinkle employees, and the Powell County High School class of 1959. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hearne Funeral Home of Stanton.
