William A. Sunderman, age 68 of Charleston, passed away at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center on Thursday, December 25, 2014.

Tony was born January 24, 1946 in Charleston, a son of the late William J. and Norma J. (King) Sunderman. On April 12, 1975, he married Judith Williams, the love of his life. In addition to his wife Judy, Tony is survived by two children, William R. Sunderman of Chicago and Emily Sunderman of Portland, Oregon; a brother, James M. Sunderman of Centralia, Illinois; two sisters, Amanda J. Bell and husband Steve of Champaign, Illinois and Monica J. Sunderman of West Hartford, Connecticut; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Robbie Sunderman.

Tony was a Charleston High School graduate and furthered his education at Eastern Illinois University, receiving his B.S. in 1968 with highest honors; his J.D. in 1972 from the University of Illinois; and was a graduate of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1972; the U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit; U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois; and the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois. He was currently a legal partner at the Brainard Law Office and has spent the past 42 years practicing law in Charleston.

Tony was a faithful member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and served as a member of the St. Charles Finance Council. His professional and community involvement and memberships were extensive and included the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board serving as its Chair from 2003 – 2010; the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Board of Directors; the Coles-Cumberland and Illinois State Bar Associations; the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association; The Association of Trial Lawyers of America; Illinois Appellate Lawyers Association; and Habitat for Humanity.

Tony loved Charleston! He loved people and people loved him. He was a sartorial master and practical joker. He was dearly loved and respected and will be truly missed by his family, his community, his church family and his many friends.

Services have been held. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Robbie Sunderman Endowment at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, the Murray Parent’s Association, or to Habitat for Humanity. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the Visitation or Mass or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.

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