Harold and Mary Ann Allen of Orchardville, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2010. They were married 50 years ago at the home of Elder Brad Henson of Orchardville. Standing up with them were Charlie Fatheree and Sandy Reese. Harold and Mary Ann have lived in Orchardville their entire married life. Harold worked as a carpenter with Union 634 for 45 years, working for several contractors, including Depew & Owens, Keleher, and Johannes, retiring from Lipps Construction in 2001. Mary Ann worked at several jobs including Wayne City Unit teacher's aide, retiring from Comprehensive Mental Health Center in Salem and Centralia, now known as Community Resource Center, after 17 years in 1997. Harold and Mary Ann have two daughters; Kelli (and Kelly) Preiss and Staci (and LaMar) Choate both of Wayne City. They have four granddaughters; Lindsey (and Tony) Fehrenbacher of Xenia, Taylor Preiss, Marli Choate and Cecilia Choate all of Wayne City. They have one great-granddaughter, Libby Backes; and one great-grandson, Caleb Fehrenbacher, both of Xenia; and are expecting a third great-grandchild in May. Harold is the son of the late Roy and Luna Allen. Mary Ann's father was the late Dale Holleman. Her mother, Alice Fatheree, lives in Mt Vernon. Harold and Mary Ann enjoy camping and spending time with family and friends. They will celebrate their anniversary by going to Lotawata Creek in Fairview Heights with family. If you would like to send them a card, their address is RR 1 Box 128, Xenia, IL 62899.

Ronald Lee Ellis, 68, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Nov. 22, 2010, in Mt. Vernon. No memorial services will be held, he was cremated per his request. Ron was born July 26, 1942, in Mt. Vernon, the second son of Parker and Mary Lou Ellis. Ron grew up in Mt. Vernon with many uncles, aunts and cousins. He shared wonderful memories of growing up and playing sports there. After graduating high school, he went to college to become a laboratory technician. Following college, he moved to Iowa and married Maureen O'Gorin. They had a family together and moved to Charleston, to raise their girls. Ron worked as a lab tech for many years in a few different hospitals where he met many good friends and loved his job. In 1982, he moved his daughters to Kingman, Ariz., and worked in the lab at Kingman Regional Medical Center. He loved to play and watch sports, and to teach his daughters how to play. Ron coached many of his daughters' softball teams. In Charleston, he coached the girls IGA softball team and loved it. All of the kids wanted to play for him. In one game, he made the players all bat opposite of what was normal because his team was winning by so much. He always gave so much of himself to his family and those he cared about. He moved back to his home town of Mt. Vernon in 1989. In 1985, Ron was baptized by Pastor William Pardue, who which would later baptize two of his granddaughters. He always wanted to move back to Kingman to be with his grandchildren, to help them with sports, to take them on walks, to go to the movies and just watch them grow. However, this would sadly never take place. Ron was diagnosed with cancer and it spread throughout his body. Ron leaves behind two daughters, Tammie Ellis of Denver, Angie/Bozo (Don) Bischoff of Kingman, Ariz.; three granddaughters, Ashley, Morgan Lee and Payton; and one grandson, Braden, all of Kingman, Ariz. He is also survived by his older brother, Frank (Maggie) Ellis of Mt. Vernon and niece Stacey Ellis of California. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Thomas Scott Ellis; nephew Brent Ellis; and parents, Parker and Mary Lou Ellis. Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon is in charge of local arrangements.

Bernice F. Seely, nee Klevorn, 80, of Homewood, beloved wife of the late Philip Seely passed away. She was the loving mother of Jon, Joe, Peter (Mary) and Perry Seely; the dear sister of Robert Klevorn, Mary Ann Klevorn and the late Adelaide Keller nee Klevorn; and fond aunt to many. A private cremation service was held. Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home, 708-798-0331.

When I read the full obit for Frank Grimes Baker, it make me wonder if he is connected to my Grimes family. I've traced back his family through census info and it appears that Florence Grimes and Charles A. Baker were not married very long. Anyone know more about this Stephen Grimes line? I'm also curious about Gladys Laird who married Charles Frank Baker since I have Laird family too from Pendleton Twp. Anyone know more about her family? Sandy 1900 census Pendleton Twp, Jefferson Co, IL - 13 & 14 Jun 1900 188/189 Grimes, Stephen Head W M Jan 1838 62 M 36 IN KY KY Laura Wife W F Jan 1846 54 F 36 5 3 IL OH OH Baker, Florence B. Dau W F Nov 1864 35 Wd 3 3 IL IN IL Goldie Gr-dau W F Jun 1885 14 S IL OH IL Frank Gr-son W M Nov 1887 12 S IL OH IL Alphonso Gr-son W M Jul 1891 8 S IL OH IL Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763–1900 BAKER, CHARLES A GRIMES, FLORENCE B 1884-03-10 006/0009 00000045 JEFFERSON 1910 census Ewing Twp, Franklin Co, IL - 18 Apr 1910 42/43 Grimes, Stephen F. Head W M 73 M1 47 IN KY KY Laura A. Wife W F 63 M1 47 3 2 IL OH OH Baker, Golda Gr-dau W F 24 S IL IL IL Frank Gr-son W M 22 S IL IL IL Alfons Gr-son W M 18 S IL IL IL 1920 census Pendleton Twp, Jefferson Co, IL - 24 Jan 1920 Grimes, Laura A. Head F W 73 Wd IL OH OH Baker, Golda M. Gr-dau F W 34 S IL IL IL Frank C Gr-son M W 32 S IL IL IL William A. Gr-son M W 28 S IL IL IL *** FRANK GRIMES BAKER, 81, of Belle Rive, Illinois passed away at 11:35 A.M., Sunday, October 24, 2010 at his home. Mr. Baker was born on July 11, 1929 in Belle Rive, Illinois the son of the late Charles Frank Baker and Gladys (Laird) Baker. He first married Shirley Smith on June 24, 1950 in Belle Rive, Illinois and she preceded him in death on June 10, 1990. He later married Kay Kiefer on September 1, 1995 in Paducah, Kentucky and she survives in Belle Rive, Illinois. Surviving family members include his wife: Kay Kiefer of Belle Rive, Illinois; 2 daughters: Sue Sammons of Mt. Vernon, Illinois and Kimberly Raufeisen and husband Todd B. of Rock Island, Illinois; grandchildren: Michelle Ashby and husband Chris of Mt. Vernon, Illinos, Dr. Amie King and husband Keith of Caseyville, Illinois and Amanda Raufeisen and Derek Raufeisen both of Rock Island, Illinois; great grandchildren: Colleen and Andrew Ashby both of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; sister: Laura Nelle Shelton of Dahlgren, Illinois; step children: Debby Huff and husband Randy of McLeansboro, Illinois and Rick McKinney and wife Lisa of Bluford, Illinois; step grandchildren: David Gage and wife Chrystal of Dahlgren, Illinois, Danielle and Michaela Morlan both of McLeansboro, Illinois; step great grandchild: Evie Gage of Dahlgren, Illinois. His parents, first wife: Shirley, brother-in-law: Dallas Shelton, son-in-law: Jim Sammons and stepson: Bradley McKinney preceded him in death. ******Mr. Baker was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Past Worshipful Master and 50 year member of Belle Rive Lodge #696 A.F. & A.M., Belle Rive Chapter #631 Order of the Eastern Star, Andrew D. Webb Chapter #160, Patton Commandrey #69, Ainaid Shrine Temple, Past President of Jefferson County Shrine Club, 3 year president of the Belle Rive reunion committee.*** *ARRANGEMENTS:*** VISITATION: was held from 5 to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at First United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. A Masonic Service was conducted at 7:30 P.M. at the church. FUNERAL SERVICES: were held at 1:30 P.M. on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at First United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Reverend Victor Long officiated. INTERMENT: Smith Cemetery in Jefferson County, Illinois. For those who wish, memorials may be given to Hospice of the Good Samaritan or Shriner's Children's Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home, church or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864. ** On 10/24/2010 3:19 PM, BLS wrote: > > FRANK GRIMES BAKER, 81, of Belle Rive, Illinois passed away at 11:35 A.M., Sunday, October 24, 2010 at his home. > > VISITATION is from 5 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at First United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon. > > FUNERAL SERVICE will be held at 1:30 P.M. Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at First United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon with Reverend Victor Long& Reverend Kenneth Holland officiating. Burial will follow at Smith Cemetery in Jefferson County. > > Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home where you may call (618) 242-3348 for further information. > > > > > Visit the Jefferson County ILGenWeb site at: > www.jefferson.ilgenweb.net > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILJEFFER-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

Got this one also ----- Original Message ----- From: <KRobi91002@aol.com> To: <iljeffer@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 1:23 PM Subject: [ILJEFFER] Test > > Visit the Jefferson County ILGenWeb site at: > www.jefferson.ilgenweb.net > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > ILJEFFER-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

MT. VERNON - Robert Lee "Bob" Boswell, 78, of Mt. Vernon, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at 8:25 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, 2010, at Mt. Vernon Health Care. He was born Jan. 17, 1932, in Mt. Vernon, a son of Roscoe Larue and Ethel Irene (Mezo) Boswell. He married Rose Mary (Hicks) Boswell on Jan. 19, 1978, in Kingston, and she survives. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Old Shiloh Cemetery in Jefferson County with the Rev. Chuck Ellis officiating. Interment will follow. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. Mr. Boswell is survived by his wife; two daughters, Bobi Lindsey and husband Jason of West Frankfort and Ethel Freeman of West Frankfort; a stepdaughter, Tammy Green and husband George of Benton, Tenn.; two stepsons, Ralph Buchanan and fiancee Melissa Workman of Mt. Vernon and Guy Buchanan and wife Heidi of Calhoun, Tenn.; 13 grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; a brother, Clarence Boswell and wife Donna of Evansville, Ind.; three sisters, Betty Jo Graham of Bradley, Karen Lyday and husband Larry of Mt. Vernon and Sarah "Sally" Lisenby and husband Kevin of Mt. Vernon; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; stepmother, Mary; son-in-law, William Freeman; mother-in-law, Maxine Hicks; and a sister-in-law, Wilma Troutt. Robert served nine years in the United States Air Force and worked as a cab driver and dispatcher for several years. He was of the Christian faith. For those who wish, memorials may be given to Park Avenue Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home or mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call 242-3348 or visit www.hugheyfuneralhome1969.com for further information and to send

Shelia S. Sledge, 64, of Mt. Vernon, died at 3:55 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, at White Oak Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Mt. Vernon. She was born Sept. 4, 1946, in Rochelle, a daughter of Leslie Tyler and Mamie Leathers. She married Gary L. Sledge on June 29, 1985, in Mt. Vernon, and he survives. There will be no funeral services held. Shelia is survived by her husband; two sons; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a stepson, Jeff Sledge and wife Dee of Mt. Vernon; two brothers, Joe Tyler and wife Carolyn of Nashville and Paul Tyler and wife Dollie of Rock Falls; and two sisters, Betty Werski of Dixon and Sharon Woolbright and husband Grover of Rochelle. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call 242-3348 or visit www.hugheyfuneralhome1969.com for further information and to send condolences

Craig Alan ELLIOTT 39 of Texico died early Sat morning results of a car accident He was born in Mt Vernon April 21, 1971 the son of Marvin and Peggy WARNER ELLIOTT and he married on April 14, 1994 in Salem to ebecca HANSON and she survives Surviving are his wife, parents a sister, Marcie Cates and husband Tony of Mt Vernon, a brother, Bryson ELLIOTT and wife Rochelle of Edwardsvillem Paternal Grandmother, Mae ELLIOTT of Mt Vernon and Maternal Grandmother, Hazel WARNER of Mt Vernon, Grandmothe in-law, Lycille HARRISON, brother-in-law Dan Hanson and wife Heather of Mt Venon, father and mother-in-law Jim and Elaine Hanson of Mt Vernon, neices, Saline and Sadie CATES, Savannah and Tylar Hanson Funeral will be Tuesday 11-23-2010 at 1 pm in Osborn Funeral Home in Dix with Rev. Randy Hayse officiating and burial in Pleasant hill Cemetery Visitation 5-8 pm at the funeral home

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kurtz of DuBois will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, at the Terry Deering Community Center in DuBois with an open house. Kenneth and Helen were married on Nov. 18, 1950, at St. Charles Catholic Church. Kenneth retired from the Illinois Central Railroad. Helen is a homemaker. They are the parents of five children, Joyce (Clarence) Bauza of Posen, Don (Janice) Hoffman of Ashley, Ronnie (deceased), Janet (Steve) Harris of Tamaroa and Deb Kramm of Whittington. They have 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, four step grandchildren and one deceased grandchild, Cassie Hoffman. Family and friends are invited to atttend the open house from 1:30 to 4 p.m. No gifts please.

Megan Nicole Olson and Todd Michael Irvin were united in marriage during a sunset beach ceremony on July 10, 2010. The ceremony took place at Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The bride is the daughter of Randy and Connie Olson of Mt. Vernon. The groom is the son of Roger and Becky Irvin of Mt. Vernon. Matron of honor was Mendy Payne, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Audrey Gillespie, Lauren Steffy, Mackenzie Thomas, Chelsea Stanart and Emma Creel, all friends of the bride. Junior bride was Maggie Kay Turner, friend of the bride. Flower girl was Tinsley Andrews, cousin of the groom. Best man was Ryan Irvin, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Chris Wilson, Devin Harmann, Brent Wuebbles, Tim Koch, all friends of the groom, and Michael Olson, brother of the bride. Junior Groom was Jackson Creel, friend of the bride. Ring bearer was Reece Payne, nephew of the bride. Mia Riggan, friend of the bride, presented fan shaped programs and cones filled with rose petals to all of the guests. Wedding music was provided by Kristen Cherry and Laura Kaczor Stevens, cousins of the groom, and Savannah Vessell, niece of the groom. Scripture was read by Hannah Mason, friend of the bride. A rose ceremony was held in honor of the couple's family members that have passed away. A reception was held in Destin, Fla., following the ceremony. The guests enjoyed BBQ prepared by Ed Kueker, friend of the couple. The couple honeymooned in Riviera Maya, Mexico at the El Dorado Royale. When the couple returned, a dinner and dance reception was held at the Mt. Vernon Holiday Inn. Music was provided by Stan Garner of DJ Masters. The wedding party performed a dance choreographed by Lisa Turner, friend of the bride, to the Michael Jackson song "The Way You Make Me Feel." The couple reside in the St. Louis Metro East area.

Sheri Lynn Harlow, age 46, of Belle Rive, died 11:11 p.m. Thursday Nov. 18, 2010, at St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. Sheri was born on Jan. 29, 1964, in Kankakee. She married Donald Branson Harlow on Sept. 15, 1984, in Kankakee. Sheri was a loving daughter, wife, mother and most of all grandmother. Sheri is survived by her husband, Donald Branson Harlow of Belle Rive; two daughters, Nicole Tate and husband Jeremy of Mt. Vernon and Samantha Harlow of O'Fallon; her mother, Lois (Pogliano) Parks and husband Larry of Ashkum; and two grandsons, Branson and Braden Tate of Mt. Vernon. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday at Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon with the Rev. William Deuel officiating. Interment will follow at the Richardson Hill Cemetery in rural Dahlgren. The family will receive friends on Monday from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements are pending at Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon where you may call 246-0100 for further information.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: patriciastaley223 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.illinois.counties.jefferson/3164/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I'm looking for info. on David Thomas and Nannie Beal's son Edward A. born ca. 1915. He was living in Mt. Vernon when his father died in 1956. When and where did he die and where is he buried? Did he marry? David Thomas and Nannie Beal's daughter Opal Edna born 1908 married first Raymond Albert Boone 1920 to 1926. What was the date? Opal then married a Mr. Gerald and they lived in Stark Co., Ill. What was his first name? Needing a marriage date too. Opal Edna died in 1983 Stark Co. Where is she buried? Any info. or help would be greatly appreciated! Patricia Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

- Charles Sheridan Sisson, beloved husband and father, passed from this life to Glory on Nov. 15, 2010, at 1:15 p.m. at St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia. Charles is survived by his beloved wife Betty (Floyd Sisson; brothers Phil Sisson and wife Marilyn, Richard Sisson and wife Nancy; sister Naomie Taylor; and many nieces and nephews; and four children from a previous marriage, Charles Jr., Kevin, Sharla and Sheri. Charles was a loved and devoted father to his five step children, Wayne Ray, Rebecca Gaddus and husband David, Sara Black-Holder, Scott Scrivner and wife Brenda, Kent Scrivner and wife Marie; 27 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Esther Sisson; one brother, Bill; and three sisters, Dorothy, Mary and Evelyn. Charles, better known as "Chuck" served his country for 20 years in the U.S. Navy, serving two tours in Vietnam and in the Korean War. Chuck was an active member of the AA program for 39 years, dedicating his life to helping others int he recovery program. Chuck was actively involved in writing and starting the substance abuse program which was at St. Mary's Hospital. Charles worked at Comprehensive Mental Health as a mental health counselor for 12 years. His articles were published in the Illinois Mental Health magazine. Charles' life was devoted to helping others, but his step children will always cherish the campouts and papa Chuck sitting at the campfire telling such wonderful stories. A memorial service will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Hillrest Memorial Park Chapel, Old Highway 41 North, Centralia. Burial will follow at the Opdyke Cemetery

Harriet Kelley, 88, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois passed away at 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at White Oaks Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Harriet was born on Tuesday, March 14, 1922 in Borup, Minnesota the son of the late Edward and Sophia (Farhlander) Johnson. She married Bernie P. Kelley in August of 1940 and he preceded her in death. Harriet and her husband Bernie owned and operated NuBowl Lanes in Mt. Vernon for 30 years. During their years in Florida, she was a volunteer for the Lee County Hospital Auxiliary and was a pianist for the Senior Vocal Group of the auxiliary and for the Fun Singers at the retirement village where she resided. She loved music and sewing and was also a very active member of the Baptist faith. GRAVESIDE MEMORIAL SERVICES: will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, November 22, 2010 at Oakwood Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Reverend Jay Kanerva will officiate. INTERMENT: Oakwood Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. In honor of her wishes, she is to be cremated and there will be no visitation. For those who wish, memorials may be given to Hospice of the Good Samaritan and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864. Surviving family members include her daughter: Patricia Jones of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; 2 grandsons: Scott Jones and wife Cammy of Naples, Florida and Mark Jones of Orlando, Florida; 2 great grandsons: Austin and Nathan Jones of Naples, Florida. Her parents, husband and her brother: Edward Johnson preceded her in death.

Barbara J. Eubanks, 78, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010, at her home. Barbara retired from Sesser-Valier School in 1994. She was born May 21, 1932, in Warrensburg to Arlin Mendehall and Julia (Glascon) Mendehall. She was married to Garry Eubanks on May 3, 1958. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Sesser. Surviving children include, Lesley and Johnny Shovan of Christopher, Julie and Jim Boles of Sesser, Kelly Eubanks of Waltonville, Lori and Mark Laur of Scheller, and Mark Eubanks of Scheller; great-grandchildren, Kendra Woodland, Tony Shovan, Jared Laur, Bethany Laur, Alyssa Laur, Bryan Eubanks, Jenna Hopkins, Savannah Boles and Seth Boles; great-grandchildren, Clayton and Gavin Woodland; brothers and sisters, Judy Milo of Decatur, Jack Mendehall of Decatur; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Leo, Troy and Vernon Mendehall; and two sisters, Faye Drew and Dobie Mitchell. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, 2010, in First Baptist Church in Sesser, with Brother Claude Hampleman officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the church. Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is in charge of arrangements. Barbara was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. For more information, go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on November 18, 2010

Ruth Irene Barker, 74, of McLeansboro, died at 11:08 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010, at St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She was born on July 25, 1936, in McLeansboro, the daughter of Herman and Holly Ann (Odel) Council. She married Arthur Barker on May 6, 1962, in Shawneetown, and he preceded her in death. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Debbie Trout and husband Joe of McLeansboro; two sons, Greg Brenner and wife Julie of McLeansboro and Gary Barker and wife Dorothy of Cameron Park, Calif.; Heather Simpson of Fairfield, Kelly Williams and husband Heath of Thompsonville, Mike Brenner and wife Kecia of McLeansboro and Ryan Barker of Cameron Park, Calif.; five great-grandchildren, Ariel Totten, Collin Williams, Holly Williams, Faith Hoffman and Colt Brenner; three sisters, Pearl Rubenacker and husband Jack of McLeansboro, Lovella Craddock of McLeansboro and Delois Grubb and husband Ray of Belle Prairie; a brother, Leonard Council and wife Paula of Washington, Ind.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a granddaughter, Cathy Totten; and three brothers, Arthur, James and Glendal Council. Ruth was a retired registered nurse who was employed by Hamilton Memorial Hospital and Hamilton Memorial Health Care in McLeansboro and Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado. She was a Methodist by faith. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro with the Rev. Robert Sefried officiating. Burial will be at Digby Hill Cemetery in Dale. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Harre Funeral Home, McLeansboro, is in charge of all arrangements.

MT. VERNON - Michael Leroy Strickland, 68, of Mt. Vernon died at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at his home in Mt. Vernon. Michael was born on November 8, 1942, in Mt. Vernon, a son of Merritt Leroy and Mary M. (Moore) Strickland. He married Barbara J. Patterson on August 26, 1965, in Mt. Vernon and she survives in Mt. Vernon. Michael was a contract mechanical engineer. He served his country in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam war. He is survived by his wife Barbara J. Strickland of Mt. Vernon and by his four children: Stephanie Ward and husband Nick of Milton, Fla.; Edward Strickland and wife Kathy of Denver, Colo.; Amanda Sheradan and husband Quint of Carbondale; and Kenneth Strickland of Mt. Vernon; and by six grandchildren. He is also survived by his parents, Reverend Merritt Strickland and wife Mary, and by one brother, Steve Strickland and wife Janis of Mt. Vernon. He was preceded in death by one sister, Terri Lynn Strickland. Visitation will be held Saturday November 20th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. For more information, you may call Newell Funeral Home at 246-0100 or visit at www.newellfuneralhome.com.

Sandra K. (Gordon) Sawyer, 46, of Mount Vernon, died at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010, in Kindred Hospital in North Lake. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Southtown Apostolic Church in Mount Vernon, with Elder James L. Gordon Sr. and Evangelist Ann Mack officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on November 18, 2010

Robert Elwood Graham, 78, of Mt. Vernon, died early Tuesday morning, Nov. 16, 2010, at his home. He was born on May 19, 1932, in Mt. Vernon, the son of Everett and Leatha Jo (Webb) Graham. On Aug. 27, 1952, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, he married Barbara J. Hayes and she survives in Mt. Vernon. Mr. Graham attended Old Union Grade School and served in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. He was a member of Old Union Baptist Church. He worked at General Radiator and installed Television towers for many years. Mr. Graham presently worked at Schmitt Chevrolet and at Savanda motors prior. In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons, Dennis Graham and wife Pam, Kevin Graham and friend Roberta, Christopher Graham and friend Missy and Anthony Graham and wife Shannon, all of Mt. Vernon; a daughter, Sheila Mosier and husband Ronnie of Mt. Vernon; 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; a brother, Jerry Graham and wife Janet of Ava; a sister, Carlita Ragan of Mt. Vernon; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, four brothers and one sister. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Osborn Funeral Home in Dix with the Rev. Randy Hayes officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery where graveside military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 141 of Mt. Vernon. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association and will be accepted at the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, IL 62810. On line condolences can be made at www.osbornfuneralhomeinc.com.