| Carl Owen Conaughty, 95,  passed away January 29, 2015 at his home surrounded by his wife, Josephine, and their ten children. Carl was born in DuQuoin, Illinois on October 7, 1919 to Carl Thomas and Blanche (Marlow) Conaughty.  Carl attended Frankfort Community High School and joined the United States Army in 1940 for WWII, serving in General Patton’s Third Army.  Among his many combat ribbons, Carl was awarded the Silver Star, the third highest military decoration for “Valor.” On September 2, 1946, he married Josephine Katherine McGhee in West Frankfort, Illinois.  He was employed by several coal mining companies and retired as the Hoisting Engineer at Old Ben Mine No. 21 after 38 years with the company.  Carl was a lifelong member of St. John’s Catholic Church, a founding member of the Knight of Columbus Council 11111, and an avid fisherman.  He built and maintained a fishing residence at Hughes’ Landing near Golconda, Illinois for more than 50 years. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Josephine; daughters: Katherine (Hugh) Reed of Scottsdale, Arizona; Connie (Larry) Peters of West Frankfort; Liz (Pete) Witkewiz of Orient; Mary (Andy) Jackanicz of West Frankfort; Caroline (Mike) Brennan of Omaha, Nebraska; Carl’s sons:  Charlie Conaughty of Akin; Marty (Patti) Conaughty of West Frankfort; Patrick (Paula) Conaughty of Battle Mountain, Nevada; Kevin (Ronda) Conaughty of West Frankfort; Tom Conaughty of West Frankfort.  Additionally, Carl was blessed with 24 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Arrangements are being conducted by Union Funeral Home – West Frankfort, Illinois.  A mass will be celebrated at  10:00a.m. on Monday, February 2, 2015, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 701 East Main, West Frankfort with Rev. Dr. Eusebius Mbidoaka and Monsignor Bill McGhee officiating.  Visitation will  be held at the church from 2:00-5:00p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2015  and also Monday, February 2, 2015 from 8:00-10:00a.m. prior to the mass.  Burial will be in the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery  - West Frankfort, Illinois.  Memorials may be made to the St. John’s School Fund.  Envelopes will be available and accepted at the church or the funeral home.  | | | DragIncrease