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F Obituary Page for Cass County, Illinois

Name: Valentine FIEDLER
Newspaper: Illinoin Star
Date of newspaper: January 10, 1936
Submitter: Pat Hageman

Valentine Fiedler Passes Away
Valentine Fiedler, 84 years old, died at his home 2 1/2 miles SE of Bluff Springs last evening after a lingering illness. Funeral services will be held at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the Bluff Spring Lutheran Church. The Rev. K.B. Neuman will be in charge. He was born in Beardstown on June 20, 1851 and resided here until 1864 when he, with his parents, moved to the farm on which he lived the remainder of his life.

He was married March 2, 1877 to Wilhelmina Dour. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons: Mrs. Minnie Clark of Verden, OK, Mrs. Cora Webster of this city, Mrs. Mary Dupes at home, and Henry and John Fiedler. One daughter, Rose, preceded him in death.
He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was a member of the Lutheran Church from his 13th year. The body was taken to the Cline Funeral Home to be prepared for burial.

Name: Mrs. Valentine FIEDLER
Newspaper: Illinoin Star
Date of newspaper: January 13, 1939
Submitter: Pat Hageman

Mrs. Valentine Fiedler, 78 years old, a widely known resident of Cass Co. died at 6:30 this morning after a lingering illness. The body was taken
to the Cline Funeral Home and funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 Sunday afternoon at the Bluff Springs Lutheran Church. A short service will be in charge of the Rev. K.B. Keuman and burial will be in the City Cemetery.

Mrs. Wilhelmina Orophina Christina Fiedler was born in Meeklinburg, Germany, May 16, 1860, the daughter of Louis & Lousia Dour, with whom she came to this country as a young girl. Her age at the time of her death was 78 yrs, 7 mos, & 28 days. The family settled near Beardstown when the decedent was 8 years of age, and Mrs. Fiedler spent all of her life in this vicinity. She was confirmed into the Lutheran Church at Arenzville and later transferred her membership to the St. John's Lutheran Church at Bluff
Springs. She married March 2, 1877 to Valentine Fiedler, and the couple resided on the same farm southeast of Bluff Springs until Mr. Fiedler died three years ago. Mrs. Fiedler then moved to Bluff Springs. Mr. & Mrs. Fiedler were the parents of six children. Surviving are Mrs. Minnie Clark of Verden, OK; Mrs. Cora Webster of this city; Mrs. Mary Dupes of Bluff Springs; and Henry and John Fiedler of near Bluff Springs.
One daughter, Rosa, preceded her mother in death. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; the daughter; a sister, Mrs. Rebecca Stock, a brother, Louis Dour; a half-brother, William Schroeder; and a half-sister, Sophia Sweatman.

Rites Are Conducted For Mrs. Valentine Fiedler
Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at the St. John's Church at Bluff Springs for Mrs. Valentine Fiedler, 78 years old, who came here
from Germany as a girl of 8, and who died Friday. Short services were conducted at the funeral home at 2:00 o'clock. The Rev. K.B. Neuman was in charge of the funeral and burial was made at the City Cemetery. Hazel Reichert, Lorraine Reichert, Oscar Reichert, and Carl Schnepper sang "I Need Thee Every Hour", "Peace", and "Abide With Me". Mrs. Oscar Reichert was the accompanist. Flowers were cared for by Mrs. Ben Schnakey, Mrs. Lester Yates. Miss Louise Stock, and Miss Eloise Sweatman. Pallbearers were John Dour, George Dour, Arthur Stock, Louis Stock Louis Dour & William Schroeder. Mrs. Fiedler was the mother of Mrs. Harold Webster of this city.

Name: Mrs. Daniel Dupes nee FIEDLER
Newspaper: Beardstown
Date of newspaper: 1898
Submitter: Pat Hageman

OBITUARY
Died, Sunday, March 13, 1898, Mrs. Daniel Dupes, of Bluff Springs, aged 18 yrs. Funeral services will take place from the residence of her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Valentine Fiedler, near Bluff Springs, this morning at 10 o'clock. Interment in the Jockisch Cemetery.

Name: Mrs. Mary Dupes nee FIEDLER
Newspaper: Beardstown
Date of newspaper: June 1963
Submitter: Pat Hageman

OBITUARY
MRS. MARY DUPES, 81, FORMERLY OF BLUFF SPINGS, DIES
Mrs. Mary Dupes, 81, died at 4:30 am at Boyd's Nursing Home where she had resided since Jan 4, 1962 when she moved here from her home near Bluff Springs. She lived in and near Bluff Springs all her life until she became ill Dec 25, 1961.

She was born Mar 4, 1882 near Bluff Spring, the daughter of Valentine & Wilhelmina Dour Fiedler. She was married to Daniel Dupes, who preceded her in death on July 5, 1924. Also preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Clark & Mrs. Rosa Dupes; and a brother, Henry. Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Cora Webster of Beardstown; one brother, John, of near Bluff Springs; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The Cline Funeral Home is in charge of services. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 pm Saturday at the Lutheran Church at Bluff Springs, the Rev. Buss officiating. The body will lie in state at the church one hour prior to services. Burial will be in the City Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 7:30 til 9 pm, Friday.

Name: Mrs. Sarah N. Wallace nee FIEDLER
Newspaper: Illinoin Star
Date of newspaper: June 13, 1945
Submitter: Pat Hageman

MRS. SARAH N. WALLACE DIED
Mrs. Sarah N. Wallace, 76, native of Beardstown, who was affectionately known about town as "Grandma" Wallace, died at 4:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon following a heart attack.

Funeral services will be held at the Simpson Funeral Home at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon and interment will be at the City cemetery.
The body was taken to the home of her daughter, Mrs. B.G. Echerd, 1116 Lafayette Street, this afternoon.

Sarah N. Wallace, daughter of Henry and Louisa Marie Rare (sic) (Roehr) Fiedler, was born in Beardstown April 16, 1869. On November 24th, 1887 she was married to Nathan G. Wallace, who preceded her in death. Mr. Wallace passed away March 3rd, 1929. Mrs. Wallace was employed at the Park Hotel for 14 years and was affectionately known by all as "Grandma" Wallace. She was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran church and also a member of the Royal Neighbors of America. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Echerd, and one son, Earl W. Wallace of this city. One brother, William H. Fiedler, of Beardstown also survives. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son,
Franklin, who died in infancy, and three sisters and two brothers.

Name: Mrs. Viola FIEDLER
Newspaper: Illinoin Star
Date of newspaper: Saturday, November 21, 1942
Submitter: Pat Hageman

MRS. VIOLA FIEDLER DIES
Mrs. Viola E. Fiedler, 361 South Columbia avenue, Springfield, and well known here, died at 8:30 am yesterday at Springfield hospital following a
short illness.

Mrs. Fiedler, daughter of John Philip and Sarah Lydia Hackman Jokisch was born Dec. 11, 1837, at Bluff Springs. She moved to Springfield in 1924. She was a member of the Douglas Avenue Methodist church in Springfield. Surviving are her husband, Charles A.; two sons. Verne O. Fiedler, of Springfield; Charles Farrell Fiedler, Chicago, Chicago; a daughter, Dorothy Tafflinger, Chicago; one brother, Oswell Jokisch, and three sisters, Mrs. William Thompson, Mrs. Oscar Chambers and Mrs. Roy Seaman, all of Bluff Springs; a number of nieces and nephews.

The body was removed at 10 a.m. today from the Thomas C. Smith Sons funeral home to the residence. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m.
Monday at Douglas Avenue Methodist church in Springfield. Rev. Leland Lawrence will officiate and burial will be in Diamond Grove cemetery,
Jacksonville, Ill. The casket will not be opened at the church. Friends may call at the home in Springfield tomorrow or Monday morning.

Name: Ronald R. FINCH
Newspaper:
Date of newspaper:
Submitter:

October 6, 2005

   Ronald R. Finch, 70 years, of Springfield, IL went to Heaven on Thursday, October 6, 2005 at his residence.
   He was born June 30, 1935 in Chandlerville, IL; the son of Raymond and Gertrude Siltman Finch. He married Donna Jean Brown on June 17, 1955 and she survives.
   He is also survived by three daughters, Scarlett Moughan of Springfield, Lisa Clark (husband, Rusty) of Atlanta, GA, and Rhonda Crawford (husband, Scot) of Chatham; a son, Richard Finch (wife, Courtney) of Divernon; seven grandchildren, Joshua Clark, Amber Reeder, Kelsey and Hannah Crawford, and Haley, Maddie and Abigail Finch; two great grandsons; three sisters, Rosalie Avery of Titusville, FL, Marilyn Meegge of Bath, and Noretta Moore (husband, Eddie) of Dallas, TX; two brothers, Leon Finch (wife, Laurel) of Atlanta, GA and Dwight Finch (wife, Linda) of Ft. Pierce, FL; and several nieces and nephews.
   Mr. Finch was a graduate of Bath High School and was employed several years with General Transfer of Decatur, working in refrigeration and air conditioning as a member of Teamsters Local 916. Following his retirement, he worked 10 years at the Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield. He loved the outdoors and hunting with his son and family. He enjoyed gardening, growing roses, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was of the Baptist faith.
   Graveside funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, October 9, 2005 at Chandlerville Cemetery in Chandlerville with Luke Shores officiating. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Saturday at the Lintner-Buchanan Funeral Home in Chandlerville. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Chandlerville New Beginnings Baptist Church or Hospice Care of Illinois.

Name: Mary Ellen FINN
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal Courier
Date of newspaper: April 20, 2003
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Mary Ellen Finn - 1924-2003 - Virginia

   Mary Ellen Finn, 78 years, of rural Virginia, IL died Friday afternoon, April 18, 2003 at her residence.
   She was born Oct. 12, 1924, in Virginia, the daughter of Arthur and Ellen Simmerman Trenter. She married Gerald M. Finn May 31, 1945, at St. Luke's Church in Virginia, and he survives.
   She is also survived by three sons, Michael (companion, Jenny Earl) of Virginia, David (wife, Gina) of Dallas and Stephen Finn (wife, Gina) of Allen, TX; two daughters, Kathleen (husband, Dennis) Lage-Meeks of Bloomington and Patricia (husband, Tim) Vincent of Troy; three grandchildren, Michelle Walsh of Leroy and Danny and Luke, both of Allen, Texas; two stepgrandchildren, Kevin Meeks of Pearsall, Texas and Greg Meeks of Bloomington; one great-grandson; two step-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by two brothers, James and Louis Trenter.
   Mrs. Finn was a 1942 graduate of Virginia High School and was formerly employed at Petefish, Skiles & Co. Bank and Trenter's Market, both in Virginia. She was a long-time member of St. Luke's Parish in Virginia. A devoted wife and mother, she enjoyed gardening in her spare time.
   A funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Virginia with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call after 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia, where the family will meet friends from 5-7 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 4:45 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice or St. Luke's Catholic Church.

Name: David B. FINNEY Jr.
Newspaper:
Date of newspaper: April 24, 2006
Submitter: Marcia Cox

DAVID B. FINNEY JR.

April 24, 2006

   David B. Finney Jr., 86, of Virginia, IL died Monday, April 24, 2006 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
   He was born June 15, 1919 in Petersburg, the son of David Bertric Sr. and Christine Masters Lewis Finney. He married Doris Smith in 1946 at Petersburg, IL. He later married Donna P. Dour in 1984 in Manchester, Mo., and she survives.
   He is also survived by two daughters, Catherine Diane (husband, Marvin) Price of Brownsburg, Ind., and Laurie Beth Beard of Ada, Mich.; a stepdaughter, Letitia Ann "Tish" (husband, Curtis) Wold of Largo, Fla.; three grandchildren, Andrea Christine Escorcia of New York City, Jeremy David (wife, Beth) Beard of Chicago and Kelly Leigh (husband, Matt) Rizzo of Colchester, Vt.; one stepgranddaughter, Samantha Jordan Wold of Largo, Fla.; one great-grandson; one brother, Richard D. Finney of Toulon; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by a son in infancy; one grandson, Paul Edward Beard; one sister, Catherine Anne McDougal; and one brother, Arthur Lewis (surviving wife, Louise of Petersburg).
   An eleven year alumnus of Petersburg, schools, Mr. Finney graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy at Wayne, Pa. in 1937, where he spent his senior year on a band scholarship. He attended Illinois College in Jacksonville for one year and graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago College of Pharmacy in 1943, following in his father's profession. He owned and operated a drug store in Virginia from Feb. of 1949 until his retirement in 1983. He is remembered fondly by the many young people he employed, some of whom he encouraged through college to a career in pharmacy. He also served with the US Army during WW II in the 80th Medical Corps stationed in the South Pacific Theater including Hawaii, Okinawa and Korea.
   Mr. Finney was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Virginia where he formerly served as an elder. He was voted Outstanding Christian Layman in 1969 by the United Church Men of Illinois and served as Chairman of Faith At Work in Central Illinois during 1972-73. Continuing a family tradition of masonic service, he was a member of the Masonic order since 1944 in Petersburg and more recently was a member and Past Master of Virginia Lodge #544 AF & AM. He additionally held memberships in the Valley of Springfield Scottish Rite, the York Rite bodies in Jacksonville, the Red Cross of Constantine, the Ansar Shrine in Springfield and the Illinois Valley Shrine Club. He was honored to receive the 33rd degree in Scottish Rite Masonry in 1988. He will be remembered in the Virginia area for his dedication to the Masonic Lodge and especially the Ansar Shrine Circus, which he would annually attend with third and fourth grade area students, organize volunteer chaperones to accompany the students, and served as a model advertising salesman for the annual Circus Book.
   A devoted community servant, Mr. Finney was a charter member of the 100 Club of the University of Illinois Foundation, a member of the American Legion, a past president of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, a past president of the former Virginia Kiwanis Club, a former secretary and member of the Passavant Area Hospital board of directors in Jacksonville, formerly served on the board of directors at Petefish, Skiles & Co. Bank in Virginia, and held memberships in several charitable organizations. He served as a volunteer for several years delivering Bread of Love meals in Virginia and as a guide at the A. Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. A life-long die-hard Chicago Cub fan, he was named to the Midwest Edition of Who's Who in America in 1974-75.
   Mr. Finney had a special love of the outdoors and a passion for traveling. Among his many travel experiences, he hiked the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Kahtadin, Maine.
   Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Virginia with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia where the family will meet friends from 4-6:30 p.m. Masonic services will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to Habitat For Humanity International, or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Name: Lewis F. FISHEL
Newspaper: Virginia Gazette
Date of newspaper: June 12, 1936
Submitter: Edith Fishel

Services Today for Lewis F. Fishel
Lewis Francis Fishel, 46 year old farmer died at his home here at 11:45 o'clock Tuesday night following a short illness. Mr. Fishel was the son of Lewis and Tillie Haskell Fishel and was born April 10, 1890. His entire lifetime was spent in Cass County. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Barbee Fishel and the following Children, William, Harry, James, Charles, Arthur, and Shelly all at home and Mrs. Edna Hankins of Mount Pelier, Iowa.
Funeral services will be held this Fri. afternoon at two o'clock at the Baptist church the Rev. J.R. Preston of White Hall officiating. Mrs. Louisa Montgomery will sing "Rock of Ages" "Till We Meet Again" and "We'll Never Say Goodby in Heaven." Casket bearers will be James and martin Maslin, Marlin Walker, Roy Musch, Chester Carls and Ed Shockley.

Name: Veda "Mae" FISHEL
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal Courier
Date of newspaper: April 20, 2003
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Veda 'Mae' Fishel - 1923-2003 - Beardstown

    Veda "Mae" Fishel, 80, of rural Beardstown, died Thursday evening, April 17, 2003, at the emergency room of Passavant Area Hospital.
    She was born March 4, 1923, in Beardstown, the daughter of Anthony Pate and Matilda Elizabeth Elrick Pate. She married James Lewis
Fishel Dec. 20, 1941, in Bowling Green, Mo., and he preceded her in death.
    She is survived by one son, James A. (wife, Marsha) of rural Beardstown; three granddaughters, April (husband, Gary) Johnson of Perry, Ga., Amy (husband, Steve) Alford of Avondale, Ariz., and Angela (husband, Corey) Cook of rural Beardstown; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Juanita 'Wannie' Pate of Beardstown; one brother, Elmer (wife, Lu) Pate of Beardstown; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four brothers; Harvey, Arthur, William and Robert Pate; and one sister, Lottie Bucy.
    Private graveside services will be held 1 p.m. Monday at the Beardstown City Cemetery. Goodwin Funeral Home of Beardstown is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are [have] been suggested to the American Heart Association. Expressions of sympathy and concern may be sent to the family online to goodwinfh@casscomm.com.

Name: William  F. FISHEL
Newspaper: The Virginia Gazette
Date of newspaper: October 9, 1936
Submitter: Edith Fishel

WM. F. FISHEL IS TAKEN BY DEATH
Funeral services for William F. Fishel, 25, were conducted yesterday afternoon, at the Baptist Church of this city at two o'clock. Rev. J. Preston of Roodhuse was in charge of the services. Pallbearers weer James Maslin, Jr., John Lockhart, Wm. smith, Dwight Duckwiler and Wilmer Spencer of this city and Eugene Howland of Peoria.
Interment was made in Walnut Ridge Cemetery. The decendent passed away at 10:45 Tuesday morning in Schmitt Memorial Hospital in Beardstown whre he had been ill for several weeks. William Francis Fishel was born in Literberry the son of Mrs. Mary Barbee Fishel and the late Lewis F. Fishel who preceded his son in death last June. His entire life was spent in this vicinity where he was employed as a farm laborer. Besides his mother, he is survived by the following brothers, Harry, James, Charles, Arthur, Shelly and a sister, Mrs. Edna Hankins of Mt.
Pelier, Iowa.

Name: Christy FISHER
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal Courier
Date of newspaper: September 23, 2003
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Christy Fisher - 1965-2003 - Beardstown

    Christy Fisher, 37, of Beardstown, died Saturday afternoon, Sept. 20, 2003, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville.
    She was born Dec. 15, 1965, in Beardstown, the daughter of Norm and Reba Holthoff Fisher.
    She is survived by her parents of Beardstown; her maternal grandmother, Rose Holthoff of Beardstown; and several aunts and uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Frank Holthoff; and her paternal grandparents, Riley and Gladys Fisher.
    Ms. Fisher graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1984. She attended the Lighthouse Church in Beardstown. She was
previously employed by Capitol Records and Kraft Food in Jacksonville and Illinois Glove Factory and Kentucky Fried Chicken in Beardstown.
For the past three years she was employed by Heritage Manor East in Beardstown as a CNA in the "Legacy" Unit. She genuinely loved and
enjoyed serving the residents, bringing them gifts, and being a devoted friend to them. She valued the time she had to spend with her family and friends and she especially looked forward to time spent boating and fishing on the Illinois River. She was a loyal and faithful friend.
    Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown, with burial at Beardstown City Cemetery. Friends
may call after 3 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the family meeting friends from 5-7 p.m. Memorials have been suggested to the Legacy Unit at Heritage Manor East in Beardstown. Condolences may be sent to the family online at sagergh@casscomm.com.

Name: Jessie Mae FOX
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal Courier
Date of newspaper: February 8, 2004
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Jessie Mae Fox 1919-2004 - Virginia

      Jessie Mae Fox, 84, of Virginia, died Saturday morning, Feb. 7, 2004, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
      She was born Dec. 8, 1919, in Virginia, the daughter of Charles Kellogg and Jessie Mae Kikendall McDaniel. She married Robert W. Fox Nov. 9, 1941, in Oakwood, Mo., and he survives.
      She is also survived by one daughter, Donna Rae of Virginia; four sons, Robert J. "Jerry" (wife, Peggy) of Tuscola, Dale (wife, Marilyn) and Gale (wife, Martha), both of Virginia, and Roger (companion, Tammy Williams) of Literberry; six grandchildren, Michael Fox, Amanda Lear, Sara McGlasson, Sherry Cluney, Brian Fox and Holly Fox; six great-grandsons; several stepgreat-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by five brothers, Glenn Ray, Cecil Ray, Vernon Ray, Charles Raymond McDaniel and one brother infancy; and three sisters, Marguerite Roach, Erma Dreher and one sister in infancy.
      Mrs. Fox was a 1938 graduate of Virginia High School and a homemaker.
      Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia, with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral a home. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association. Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family online at 

Name: Max C. FOX
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal Courier
Date of newspaper: January 12, 2003
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Max C. Fox - 1928-2003 - Virginia

    Max C. Fox, 74, of Virginia, died Saturday morning, Jan. 11, 2003, at Heritage Manor South Nursing Home in Beardstown.
    He was born July 11, 1928, in Cass County, the son of James E. and Atha Cline Fox.
    He is survived by two brothers, James (wife, Kay) of Virginia and Robert (wife, Jessie Mae) of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.
    Mr. Fox was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Illinois and served with the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He was employed as an assistant farm advisor and later joined the DeKalb Bank & Trust in DeKalb. He later served as an officer for Soy Capitol
Bank in Decatur for many years prior to his retirement in 1983, when
he moved back to Virginia.
    Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia, with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to services Tuesday. Memorials are suggested to the Virginia United Methodist Church or Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice. Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family online at 

Name: Jackie D. "Jack" FRENCH
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal Courier
Date of newspaper: July 2000
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Jackie D. "Jack" French
1930-2000
     Jackie D. "Jack" French, 70, of Virginia, died Friday morning, July 21, 2000 at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.
     He was born March 19, 1930, in Peoria, the son of David D. and Marie L. Shaurette French. He married Julia Cox August 23, 1953, in Virginia, and she survives.
     He is also survived by a son, Davey (wife, Becky) of Virginia; a daughter, Julie Ackerman of Virginia; four grandchildren; two brothers, Roy (wife, Barbara) of Virginia and Bill (wife, Patricia) of Clayton; two sisters, Doris McKenzie (husband, Earl) and Delores Boice (husband, Donald) both of Beardstown; and several nieces and nephews.
     Mr. French was a 1948 graduate of Virginia High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, stationed in Panama with the Amphibious Support Regiment of the 370th Combat Engineers. He was a building contractor in the Virginia area for longer than 50 years. He was a longtime dealer and builder for Homeway Homes, which later became Walnut Custom Homes. He served as photographer for the Cass County Coroner and Sheriff's Department for 21 years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Virginia and a former member of the Sangamon Valley Presbyterian Church in rural Virginia.
     An active outdoorsman, Mr. French enjoyed hunting and fishing with his wife and family. He served as a Hunter Safety Instructor for 24 years. He also enjoyed writing about the outdoors and had several articles published
in national publications.
     Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Virginia, with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. The family will meet friends 5-7 p.m. Sunday at the Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church Building Fund.