William Joseph Politte, 75, of Festus died Oct. 26, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. Politte served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. He retired from Ford Motor Company after 30 years, where he worked as an assembler. He was a member of the VFW and volunteered at the De Soto Food Pantry. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and playing cards. Born April 6, 1950, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Lillian (Rulo) and Joseph Politte.
He is survived by his wife: Wanda (Coleman Henslee) Politte; three children: Kevin (Tina) Politte of St. Louis, Carla (John) Zettler of Hopewell and Cory (Michelle) Politte of De Soto; two stepchildren: Dwayne (Kara) Henslee of Windsor and Brian (Edna) Henslee of Festus; numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two siblings: Joyce Skaggs of Mineral Point and Pegg Adams of Mineral Point; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by seven siblings: Leroy Politte, Rachel Shepherd, Norma Hedrick, Laretta Stringer, Rhonda Adams, Robert Politte and Mike Politte.
A graveside service with full military honors is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks, officiated by Pastor Justin Metiva. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.