U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Mary Elizabeth Hines
MARION -- Mary Elizabeth Hines, 97, passed away at 8:45 a. m. July 2, 2004, at Parkway Manor Nursing Home in Marion. Services will be held at 1:30 p. m. Sunday, July 4, 2004, at Alma Cemetery
in Salem, with the Rev. Steve Palmer officiating. Blue Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements. Our mother was born March 3, 1907, in Carrigan Township near Patoka, the daughter of Jessie (Gray) and Olive Britt. She attended Patoka schools, often riding a horse to school through her junior year in high school. To complete her education, she stayed in a rented room in Salem, and graduated from Salem high school. When she was 22, she met and married our dad, Carl L. Hines of Alma. She worked side-by-side with him in all his endeavors throughout their married life until his early death in 1958. They complemented and helped each other for 29 years, and she remained his wife to the end of her life. They each had four children, Elizabeth 'Betty' Johnston of Marion, Col. Olive and Annemarie Hines of Fairview Heights, Patricia Ann Miller of Chino, Calif., and Louise and Jerry Humble of Carterville. One of mother's greatest joys was her family and getting to visit them as they lived throughout the world. She often commented after a trip across the Atlantic or Pacific that she had come a long way from riding a horse to school. She loved the whole idea of travel. After our dad died, Mother had more time for her beloved flowers and became well known for her beautiful yard. At the height of flower season it was not unusual to see cars stopped in front of our home admiring her many flowers. She shared her bulbs and cuttings with anyone who wanted them and her flowers still bloom in many yards in Marion County. No one left her home without the invitation, 'Come look at the flowers. ' She continued to want flowers around her until the very end. Mother also began to quilt about this same time and became quite proficient at the art, although she never considered herself an artist. Before she stopped quilting at the age of 91, she had quilted more than 100 quilts for her church (Alma Methodist Ladies Aid) and her family. Her last bit of quilting was on a quilt for her great granddaughter, Abigail. Mother was also an avid card player. She and our dad often played cards with friends and she continued to do so as long as she was able. She enjoyed winning and was known to invoke 'Alma rules' to be able to play the winning card. Mother was quite devoted to her grandchildren and was the type of grandmother who would allow them to pick her flowers with never a cross word, although no one else could do that. The grandchildren returned that devotion and were one of her greatest joys. Those grandchildren include Laura and Jeff McKnight, Dr. Christa Hines, Maria Hines, John Hines, Lisa and Jeff Becker, Kelly Miller, Shawn and Chris Miller, Tammi and Scott Doolittle, James and June Gray and Joel and Cindy Gray. Her great-grandchildren are Sarah Stromsdorfer, Oliver Codd, Jaimie Hartmann, Zachary and Abigail Miller, Lucas Becker and Nathan Doolittle. Mother is also survived by a sister-in-law, Agnes Clesson of Salem, plus nieces and nephews who have been very dear to her. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her beloved sister, Lucille Thomas; her two brothers, Lee Britt and Raymond Britt and a son-in-law, C. F. 'Dick' Johnston. Mother was many things to many people and each has his or her own special memory, but the two most important things she gave to us were roots and wings, and that in turn made her a pillar of strength to her family.
Eugene Chambers
MURPHYSBORO -- Mr. Eugene B. Chambers, 85, of Murphysboro, died at 10:25 p. m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, at home. Mr. Chambers was born on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 1918, in Herrin, the son of John J. Chambers and Mary (Roberts) Chambers (both deceased). He married Anna A. (Di Paola) in Wood River, on Sept. 2, 1950. She died April 7, 1969. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Andrews Catholic Church at 11 a. m. Tuesday July 6, 2004, with Father Allen Maes OMI Officiating. Visitation will be at Crawshaw Funeral Home on Monday, July 5, from 5 to 9 p. m. and until 10:30 a. m. Tuesday morning at the funeral home. The rosary prayer service will be held at the funeral home at 7:30 p. m. Monday, July 5. Burial with full military honors provided by American Legion VFW and Disabled American Veterans, will be at St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery
in Murphysboro. Survivors include daughter and spouse, Mary Ann and Brad Hinchcliff of Carbondale; son and spouse, Eugene and Doreen E Chambers Jr. of Swansea; son and spouse, John and Dorothy Chambers of De Soto; son, Mark Chambers of Metropolis; son, Stephen Chambers of Dallas; son, James Chambers of Chicago and son and spouse, Robert and Cynthia Chambers of Vergennes; grandchildren, James, David, Matthew, Joseph, Kenneth, Anna, Katie and Christie Chambers; step grandchildren, Lea and Sarah Hinchcliff; nephews and nieces, Corkey Glotfelty, Bob and Billie (Glotfelty) Rentfro, Bob and Markie DiPaolo, Diane Ross, and Susan Valverde. He was a veteran of World War II and the
Korean War. He was a member of American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus and the Eagles. He served seven terms on the Jackson County Board for a total of 22 years of service and was county board chairman for four years. He served on and was Treasurer of the Jackson County Building Commission, St. Andrews School Board, Scout Master for Troop 4 Boy Scouts of America for many years, I. B. E. W. Local 702 for over 50 years, Democratic prescient committeeman, past president of Jackson County Nursing Home Auxiliary, 22 years on the Greater Egypt Regional Planning Commission and 20 years on its executive committee. Memorials may be made to Sallie Logan Library, Large Print Books or VNA Tip Hospice. Eugene was devoted to his family and enjoyed many years of community service. His family and many friends will miss him.
Dorothy Wilson
WEST FRANKFORT -- Dorothy Wilson, 87, died at 10:30 a. m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, in Shawnee Christian Nursing Center. Services will be at 11 a. m. Monday, July 5, in Union Funeral Home, with the Revs. Rod and Cameron Trusty officiating. Burial will be in East Fork Cemetery
in West Frankfort. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p. m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Southern Illinois Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home. Mrs. Wilson was a homemaker. She was a member of Monroe St. Church of God for 50 years. She was born Oct. 22, 1916, in West Frankfort, to Joseph and Ludia (Williams) Hall. She married Charles Wilson. He preceded her in death. Survivors include daughter, Sharon and Larry Carpenter of West Frankfort; sons, Rick and Jackie Wilson of Benton, Tim and Marsha Wilson of Benton, Brad and Dawn Wilson of West Frankfort and Neal and Susan Wilson of Benton; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son, Ronald Dean Trusty; sisters, Blondel and Bonnie Wilson; brother, James Hall; infant sisters and great-grandson, A. J. Shadis. She was loved and cherished by all her family.
John Harmon
CARTERVILLE -- John Eric Harmon, 45, of Carterville, passed away Thursday, July 1, 2004, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Mr. Harmon was a concrete finisher with Skoffic Construction Co. in Du Quoin, working out of the Plasters and Cement Masons Local Union No. 143. He was also a part owner of Shakers Nightclub in Herrin. He attended the Second Baptist Church in Herrin and was a member of the Herrin Eagles No. 1549. He was born June 6, 1959, in Carbondale, to John E. and Sharon Rose (Patrick) Harmon. Surviving are, his fiance of nine years, Debbie Myogeto of Carterville; father, John E. Harmon of Herrin; a half brother and half sister; three nephews, Chad Eric Harmon of Carterville, Shawn Michael Harmon of Cambria, Gerard Wayne Harmon of Cambria; special friends who were like his children, Kristopher Triplett, Joshua Myogeto and Danyale Myogeto; and a grandson, Aidan Triplett and mother, Kim Cheatham, and very special friends, Billy Waldron, Leonard Waldron, Kirk Wallace, Marshall Rosenberg, John Finney, Joe Marshall, Steve Elders, Richard Moore, Jimmy Coulter and many others who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by mother, Sharon Rose Harmon; brother, James Edward 'Jim' Harmon and a grandmother, Naomi Patrick. Services will be at 1 p. m. Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home in Herrin. The Rev. Robert Chitwood will officiate. Interment will be in Blairsville Cemetery. Family and Friends may call from 6 to 9 p. m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Diabetes. Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Verna McKenzie
GRAND TOWER -- Verna Mae McKenzie, 72, of Grand Tower passed away, 2:45 p. m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, at Oak Grove Rehab Center in Carbondale. Services will be held at 2 p. m. Monday, July 5, 2004, at Meredith Funeral Chapel in Grand Tower, with the Rev. Peggy Camp officiating. Interment will be at Walker Hill Cemetery
in Grand Tower. Friends may call from noon until time of the service at the funeral chapel. Memorial donations may be made to March of Dimes, 131 Lincoln Place Court, Suite 401, Belleville, IL 62221 and will be accepted by the funeral home. Verna was born Nov. 11, 1931, to I. Lewis and Maude (Hancock) Cripps. She is preceded in death by her parents; one grandson; one son-in-law, Irvin Reeves, Jr.; three brothers and three sisters. Survivors include her children, Verna Maxine McKenzie and husband, Bill Elder of Crestwood, Ky., Brighton Norris and wife, Julia McKenzie of Roy, Utah, Lester William and wife, Patricia McKenzie of Aurora, Colo., and Christine Lee Reeves of Mascoutah; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, John Cripps of Foley, Ala., and Claud Cripps of Grand Tower; and two sisters, Flo Cook and Shelby Jean Corbin both of Grand Tower. Verna was a homemaker. She has lived in Grand Tower all her life.
Oral 'Mickey' Gower
MARION -- Oral F. 'Mickey' Gower, 75, passed away at 12:55 p. m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, at Sikeston Health Care Center in Sikeston, Mo. Services will be at 2 p. m. Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at Blue Funeral Home in Marion, with the Rev. Danny Gray officiating. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery
in Marion. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p. m. Monday, June 5, 2004, at the funeral home. military rites will be held at the cemetery by VFW Post no. 1301 and American Legion Post no. 147. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or the Alzheimer's Association; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, P. O. Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Mr. Gower was born on Sept. 17, 1928, in Williamson County to William Aud and Pearl (Ownes) Gower. He married Joan Ann Gower, and she preceded him in death on March 13, 1980. Survivors include son, William R. and Vicki Gower of Marion; daughter, LouAnn and John Hill of Marion, Tammy and Jim Roberts of Marion; grandchildren, Tim and Amber Gower, Jeremy Gower, Jamie and Brian Albright, Cortney Hanks, Travis Hill, Robert Tidaback, Casey Tidaback, Chris Lahr and Brian Lahr; great grandchildren, Montanna, Summer and Landon Albright, Kaeden Gower, Timmy Aaron Gower; sisters, Linda and Lester Clark of Crainville, Maxine Emery of Marion, Dorothy Loyd of Marion Shirley and Danny Summers of Marion; brothers, Auddie and Betty Gower of Johnston City, Paul and Shirley Gower of Marion, John and Debbie Gower of Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Carole Kay Gower and brother, Virgil Gower. Mr. Gower was a retired coal miner. He was a member of Second Baptist Church in Marion. He served his country in the U. S
Army during World War II. He was a member of the VFW Post no. 1301 in Marion. He enjoyed camping and he loved his family.
Timothy Weir
GOREVILLE -- Timothy James Weir, 42, of Goreville passed away at 8:30 a. m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, at Heartland Regional Medical Center. Services will be held at 11:30 a. m. Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at Coal Bank Springs Cemetery, east of Marion. Blue Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the children of Mr. Weir and may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, P. O. Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Mr. Weir was born on Dec. 10, 1961, in Goreville, to David Lee and Bonnie (Hall) Weir. Survivors include his mother; sons, Timothy J. Weir Jr., of Goreville, Alex J. Weir of Goreville, and Travis S. Weir of Goreville; daughter, Desiree Weir of Belvedere; sisters, Rosemary and Anthony Jefferys, Gena and Larry Mackeben; brothers, Robert A. and Mitzi Weir of Caterville, Randy L. and Lisa Weir of California; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, David Lee Weir. Mr. Weir enjoyed fishing, painting cars and enjoyed spending time with his children.
Velma 'Chubby' Severs
ANNA -- Velma 'Chubby' Severs, 84, died at 7:24 a. m. Friday, July 2, 2004, at home. Services will be at 10 a. m. Tuesday at Crain Funeral Home in Anna, with the Rev. Bill Littrell and the Rev. Dale Jones officiating. Burial will be in Ullin Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p. m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the March of Dimes or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Michelle Simmons
CARTERVILLE -- Michelle Eileen Simmons, 16, of rural Carbondale, died Thursday, July 1, 2004, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Arrangements are incomplete at Riggin-Pillatsch Funeral Home in Carterville.
Kevin Cash
ANNA -- Kevin Lamont Cash, 44, died at 9:05 a. m. Tuesday, 2004, in City Care Center in Anna. A memorial service will be Saturday, July 10, 2004, at the New Jerusaleum Church of Jesus Christ in Danville. Crain Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.
Frankie Walker
MARION -- Frankie Walker, 15, died at 3:45 a. m. Friday, July 2, 2004, in Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Arrangements are incomplete at Blue Funeral Home in Marion.
Edward Teckorius
HERRIN -- Edward F. Teckorius, 77, of Herrin, passed away 11:55 p. m. Tuesday, June 29, 2004, at home. Mr. Teckorius was a retired lieutenant from the Chicago Fire Department, having been with the department for 24 years. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin, Knights of Columbus Council no. 2164 in Herrin, Chicago Firefighter's Union, Amvets, and was a veteran of the U. S.
Army during World War II. He was born Sept. 17, 1926, in West Frankfort, to Joseph and Lucille Tackoris. Edward was united in marriage to Rosemary Sawyer in 1948 in Chicago. She preceded him in death on Dec. 24, 1992. Surviving are son and daughter-in-law, John and Tatianna Teckorius of Buffalo Grove; daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Tony Scalise of Alsip; three grandchildren, James Scalise and his wife, Dawnika, of Oak Forest, Tony Scalise of Racine, Wis., and Patti Teckorius of Shaumburg; three great grandchildren, Alexis Teckorius, Hannah Scalise and Dominic Scalise and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; sister, Josephine Lawrence, two brothers, John and Bill Tackorius. The funeral Mass will be at 10 a. m. today, July 3, 2004, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. Monsignor Ken Schaefer will officiate. Interment will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery
in West Frankfort. Memorials may be made to OLMC Renovation Fund which will accepted at the funeral home.
Robert W. Porter
CAIRO -- Robert W. Porter Jr., 82, of Cairo, died at 1:45 p. m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, in Daystar Care Center in Cairo. Services will be at 11 a. m. today in Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo, with the Rev. Richard Pigg officiating. Burial will be in Green Lawn Memorial Gardnes in Villa Ridge. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a. m. today in the funeral home.
Jack Lee Staten
GRANITE CITY -- Jack Lee Staten, 65, died at 1:43 a. m. Thursday, June 24, 2004, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Granite City. A celebration of life will be held at noon today in Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis. In accordance to his wishes, there will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Fine-Burke-Staten Funeral Homes in Alton is in charge of arrangements.
Harlan Wilson
WEST FRANKFORT -- Harlan Wilson, 71, of Logan, formerly of West Frankfort died at 11:55 a. m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, at Franklin Hospital in Benton. He was born June 12, 1933, in West Frankfort, to Willie Wilson and Hannah (Trusty) Wilson. He married Leona Beers Wilson on May 28, 1958, in Franklin County and she survives. Other survivors include a son, Mitch Wilson of West Frankfort; two daughters, Kim and husband Rodney Meadows of West Frankfort, and Dana and husband Steve Davis of West Frankfort; four grandchildren, Shawn Davis, Brook Davis, Brittany Meadows, and Hailee Davis; a sister, Dorothy and husband Don Catcott of Rockford; and sisters-in-laws, Jane and Ruth Wilson, of West Frankfort. He was preceded in death by his parents, 11 brothers and sisters, and a daughter-in-law, Brenda Wilson. Harlan was a member of the Logan Church of God. He had formerly worked at E. R. Brown Furniture in West Frankfort, was a coal miner and had worked at the Frankfort Township. He served in the United States Navy during the
Korean War. Mr. Wilson was referred to as G.PA by his grandchildren and was very active in watching his grandchildren playing softball. Services will be at 1 p. m. today at the Logan Church of God, with the Rev. Melton Nelms officiating. Burial will be in the East Fork Cemetery
in West Frankfort. Friends may call at 11 a. m. Saturday at the Logan Church of God. military rites will be conducted by the American Legion of Orient and the VFW of West Frankfort. Memorial contributions can be made to the donors choice and will be accepted at the church, or the Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort. Parker-Reedy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Harold Ridings
VERGENNES -- Harold W. Ridings, 65, died at 7:09 a. m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, in Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. Services will be at 10 a. m. today in Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava, with the Rev. Danny Boyd officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Christian Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7:30 to 10 a. m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Mr. Ridings was a retired mechanic from Caterpiller after 33-and-a-half years. He was born Thursday, Dec. 22, 1938, in Egan, Tenn., to Theodore Boyd Ridings and Bertha Marie Brown Ridings. He married Marilyn M. Bastien on Dec. 18, 1965, at Harard Hills Baptist Church. She survives of Vergennes. Other survivors include two daughters, Maria Ridings of Vergennes and Melissa Ridings, both of Vergennes; one grandson, Craig Anthony Ridings of Vergennes; mother, Bertha M. Ridings of Clinton, Tenn.; two sisters, Willa Jones and husband Vince of Washington, Ill., and Rose Kenyon and husband Harold of Clinton, Tenn.; one brother, B. Wayne Ridings and wife Linda of Wartburg, Tenn.; several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and special friends, Paula Craig of Vergennes and Raven Graves of Vergennes. His father and one sister, Betty Carolyn Ridings, preceded him in death.
Ronald Parks
MARION -- Ronald Parks, 45, died at 5:30 a. m. Friday, July 2, 2004, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. Arrangements are incomplete at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion.
Harold Hottes
DU QUOIN -- Harold G. Hottes, 90, of Du Quoin, died at 10:30 p. m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, at the Fairview Nursing Center in Du Quoin. Services will be at 1 p. m. Sunday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin, with Dr. John Lewis officiating. Visitation be from 11 a. m. to 1 p. m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Mueller Hill Cemetery
at Pinckneyville. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Orvil Garris
MARION -- Orvil Garris, 47, died at 6:05 a. m. Friday, July 2, 2004, at home. Arrangements are incomplete at Blue Funeral Home in Marion.
Gene Chamness
MURPHYSBORO -- Gene Chamness, 82, of rural Murphysboro, died in his sleep Wednesday morning at home. He was born Dec. 19, 1921, at Marion, the son of Benjamin and Esther Marks Chamness. On Dec. 20, 1947, he was married to Ludine Cecil. Gene was a 30 mail carrier for the postal service, first in Carbondale and later in rural Carrier. He was a P-38 Pilot in the
Army Air Corp in World War II in Europe, flying recon missions out of Italy over the Balkans and Southern Europe. He was a member of VFW 2605. He served on the Murdale Water District Board for 21 years, 19 years as chairman when he retired in May 2003. He formed the Boy Scout Troop at Grace United Methodist Church more than 50 years ago and continued as the coordinator of the troop. He was also a member of Boys Scouts Three Rivers Council. In addition to his woodworking hobby, he especially enjoyed golfing 
with the Senior Golf Association at Hickory Ridge Golf Course. He was a 65 year member of Grace United Methodist Church in Carbondale where he served as head usher and on most committees and boards during those years. Survivors include his wife Ludine of Murphysboro; son, Gary and wife Holly Chamness of Hurst; daughter, Sue Ellen and husband Sid Klotz of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren, Christopher Kellett of San Antonio, Nathan Chamness of Midwest City, Okla., Elizabeth and husband Mark Chaney of Carbondale, Tanya Kellett of San Antonio, Douglas Klotz of San Antonio and Danny Young of Salt Lake City; two great-grandchildren, Brendon Klotz of San Antonio and Claudia Chamness of Midwest City, Okla.; and his extended family whom he loved very much of four sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Pauline Kohlmeyer of Augusta, Ga., Jennie and husband Ray Crawshaw of Elkville, Rachel Moore of Murphysboro, Ann and husband Homer Watson of Perryville, Mo., and Louie E. and wife Judy Cecil of Carbondale, and many nieces, nephews and others. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Jim and Charles Cecil. Services will be at 1 p. m. Saturday at Grace United Methodist Church in Carbondale, with the Rev. Larry Gilbert and the Rev. Sally Hamon officiating. Interment will be in Murdale Gardens of Memory with full military honors by the American Legion, VFW and disabled veterans of Carbondale and Murphysboro. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p. m. today at Grace United Methodist Church on Tower Road in Carbondale and after 10 a. m. Saturday. Memorials are suggested by the family for the Grace United Methodist Church Building Fund. Crain Funeral Home Pleasant Grove Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Donna Russell
WEST FRANKFORT -- Donna Russell, 63, of West Frankfort, died at 11:45 a. m. Wednesday, June 30, 2004, in Franklin Hospital in Benton. Services will be at 2 p. m. today in Boner Cemetery
in West Frankfort. There will be no visitation. Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Union Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Donna was born Jan. 2, 1941, in West Frankfort, to Harold 'Dena' and Anna Lee (Musiol) Morris. She was very active in Christian music having been on TCT and 3ABN. Survivors include her parents of West Frankfort; husband, Jim Russell of West Frankfort; a brother, Mary Morris of West Frankfort; two daughters, Debbie Wiley and Jamie Wilce, both of West Frankfort; a sister, Dana Kehring of West Frankfort; four grandchildren, Tommy Wiley, Lori Rotramel, Shayly and Kiarha Wilce; and great-grandchild, Kaden Rotramel. She was preceded in death by her brother, Dena Morris.
