William J. Cassity, 87, of Collinsville, Ill., born on July 10, 1923, in Reno, Nev., died at 6:18 a.m. on Friday, May 20, 2011, at Eden Village Care Center in Glen Carbon, Ill.



Mr. Cassity was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the 1st Division of the 1st Army during World War II. He was very proud to be in the "Big Red One." One of William's passions was thoroughbred racing and at one time being considered one of the best jockeys in the country.



William was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite, nee Jones, Cassity; and parents, Leonard and Mae, nee Varner, Cassity.



Surviving are his sons, Darrel Cassity and Steven Schwartz; grandchildren, Bret (Jennifer) Cassity, Matthew Cassity, Justin (Catie) Cassity and Shalako Cassity; and great-grandsons, Ean Cassity and Riya Cassity.



Memorials may be made to Passages Hospice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com.



Visitation: Friends may call from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 23, 2011, at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, Ill.



Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 11:45 a.m. Monday, May 23, 2011, at St. John Cemetery in Collinsville, Ill., with the Rev. Ron Habermehl officiating. Interment will follow.