U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Marilyn Warner
WILLISVILLE -- Marilyn E. Warner, 64, died at 1:41 a. m. Friday, June 18, 2004, in St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville. Services will be at 1 p. m. Sunday at New Hope Baptist Church, with the Rev. Ed Spiller and the Rev. Paul Spiller officiating. Burial will be in New Hope Baptist Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p. m. today and from 8 to 11:30 a. m. Sunday at McDaniel Funeral Home in Percy. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.
Evelyn May Levey
GOREVILLE -- Evelyn May Levey, 91, passed away at 6:55 a. m. Wednesday, June 16, 2004, in the home of her daughter, Roberta and Paul Forester, at Lake of Egypt , Eagle Point Bay, in Goreville. Evelyn was born May 5, 1913, to Frederick and Elizabeth Krach in Chicago. She married William H. (Harry) Levey on Sept. 4, 1928, in West Chicago, and he preceded her in death on Nov. 1, 1986. Evelyn and Harry lived in West Chicago. When Evelyn retired from working as the head of the cafeteria at the junior high school in West Chicago in 1967, they then moved to Florida. Evelyn enjoyed her family and many friends, traveling throughout her active life until illness brought her to live with her daughter, Roberta, in Goreville. She went with them to Arizona for the winters until she decided to stay there. Illness again moved her in with her daughter Dolly in Sun City, Ariz., and then back to Goreville. Survivors include her daughter, Dolly McKamey and husband Don of Sun City, Ariz. ; twins, Robert Levey and wife Barbara of Russellville, Ariz., and Roberta Forester and husband Paul of Goreville; six grandchildren, Steve McKamey of Peoria, Ariz., David McKamey of Phoenix, Vicky Davis of Redfield, Kan., Robin Turnipseed and husband Brian of Grandbury, Texas, Robert Levey and wife Sheri of Springtown, Texas, and Paul Forester II and wife Mary Sue of Sandwich; 21 great- grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren. Preceded by her parents; her husband; her loving granddaughter, Paula Renee Forester Wilde; Two sisters and brothers-in-law, Florence and Harold Hansler and Hazel and Ed Gross; two nieces, Lila Deiz and Lois Williams and dear friend Lynn Tripp; and in-laws, Alfred Levey, Ken and Noreen Levey, Frances Levey and Pete Armbrust. 'Evelyn was a kind and loving, caring wife, mother and grandmother, who will be missed greatly and will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts with precious memories. "We thank God for her wonderful life, and for having us share that with her, and for taking her so peacefully into her everlasting life with Jesus Christ, our Lord. 'Services will be at 11 a. m. Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion, with Pastor Arthur Donley officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p. m. today at the funeral home. It was Evelyn's wish to be cremated. For those who prefer, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.
Michael Williams
MURPHYSBO -- Michael A. Williams, 33, passed away in Michigan on Monday, June 14, 2004. Services will be held at The Church of The Harvest in Evansville, Ind., at 1 p. m. Saturday, June 19, 2004, where friends may call from 11 a. m. until the hour of service at the church. Services will be held at 1 p. m. Monday, June 21, 2004, at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park and friends may call from 11 a. m. to 12:45 p. m. Monday at Pettett Funeral Home.
Nellie Hughes
BENTON -- Nellie Leota Hughes, 85, died at 4:55 p. m. Thursday, June 17, 2004, at home. Arrangements are incomplete at Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home in Benton.
Richard 'Rick' Lee Blackwell
MURPHYSBORO -- Richard Rick Lee Blackwell, 75, passed away at 7:52 a. m. Wednesday, June 16, 2004, at home. Services will be held at 10 a. m. Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the Pettett Funeral Home and burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery
at St. Elmo. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p. m. Friday and Saturday until the hour of services at the funeral home. Masonic services will be held at 7 p. m. today at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Masonic Children's Home in Murphysboro. Rick was born on March 15, 1929, in Granite City, to Everett Blackwell and Eileen (Snyder) Blackwell. Mr. Blackwell was a dental technician and worked in the Granite City area and Murphysboro area making false teeth for over 40 years. During the Korean conflict, he was a corporal in the United States
Army with the 101st Medical Corps, serving in Germany. He served as a boy scout leader while he was in Germany. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Murphysboro, a 32nd degree Mason, a past Illinois State Grand Master of the Council during 1972 and 1973, a Shriner, and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 113 in Granite City. Later in his life, he became an ordained nondenominational minister, and he conducted Bible studies at the Big Muddy Apartments. He has been elected president of the tenant's association at the Big Muddy Apartments. Richard Lee married Ingrid Benkert on June 27, 1953, and she preceded him in death in September 1959. He later married Kathryn Kay King on March 21, 1964, in Granite City and she preceded him in death on Sept. 14, 1998. He is survived by three children, Barbara K. Hughes and her husband J. D. Hughes of Murphysboro, Diana Stern and her husband Jim Stern of Pinckneyville, and Everett Blackwell and his wife Kathy Blackwell of Murphysboro; four grandchildren, Todd Hughes and his wife Kathy Hughes of Cambria, Joe Stern and Tyler Stern both of Pinckneyville, and Megan Blackwell of Murphysboro; one great-granddaughter, Amanda Hughes of Cambria; one brother and sister-in-law, David and Bobbi Blackwell of Schwenksville, Pa. ; one sister, Barbara Anderson of Granite City; two nieces and two nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Phillip Elmer Blackwell.
Lucille Reed
WEST FRANKFORT -- Lucille Reed, 92, died at 12:25 a. m. Wednesday, June 16, 2004. Services will be held at 11 a. m. today, June 18, 2004, at the Tower Heights Cemtery in West Frankfort, with the Rev. Don Reidel officiating. There will be no visitation. Friends and family are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort is overseeing arrangements. Lucille was born on Aug. 6, 1911, in Akin, the daughter of Ross and Ida Mae (Smith) Bolen. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Northern Baptist Church in West Frankfort. She was affiliated with the Royal Neighbors and Rebekahs. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, April 5, 1971; her parents; sisters, Lula Parks and Lena Tannehill and Luna Marklin. Survivors include a niece, Faye Gelso of West Frankfort; great nieces, Maureen Yadro of West Frankfort , Nadine Bost of Phoenix, Ariz., and Ferry Stone of Knoxville, Tenn.; nephews, Kenneth Melvin of Janesville, Wis., Leon Parks of Camdenton, Mo., and Merton Freeman of West Frankfort; many great, great, great nieces and nephews.
Darrell Bennett
CHRISTOPHER -- Darrell W. Bennett, 54, of East Peoria, died at 8:40 a. m. Wednesday, June 16, 2004, at home. He was born Feb. 15, 1950, in Christopher, to John E. and Maude Lucille Ramsey Bennett. He was an Air Force veteran of the Vietname War and attained the rank of sergeant. He retired March 1, 2003, from Caterpillar Inc. after 30 years of service, where he was a machinist at the Mossville plant. Following retirement, he worked for O'Reilly Auto Parts as a parts delivery man and last worked Tuesday. Mr. Bennett coached girl's softball in East Peoria for more than 20 years and was an avid bowler. He was a member of the UAW Local 974 Retirees. He also was a member of the Romeo's Retirees Club. Surviving are his mother, M. Lucille Dornon of East Peoria; two daughters, Heidi A. Bennett of Chicago and Stephanie N. Bennett of East Peoria; one son, Shaun M. Bennett of East Peoria; two grandchildren, Remi M. Bennett and Elijah M. Bennett, both of East Peoria and five step-brothers, Michael (Kathy) Roberts of California, William Dornon of Creve Coeur, Robert (Carol) Dornon of Edelstein, Timothy (Judy) Dornon of Temple, Texas, and Rex (Ellen) Dornon of Carthage. He was preceded in death by his father and two sisters, Vivian Slegister and Karen Bailey. Services will be at 10 a. m. Saturday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Krista L. Brockman will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p. m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fon du Lac Cemetery
in East Peoria, where military rites will be accorded. Memorial contributions may be made to an education fund for his grandchildren, Remi and Elijah Bennett, in care of Union Planters Bank in Washington.
Betty Richardson
CARTERVILLE -- Betty Lou Richardson, 77, of Carterville, died Wednesday, June 16, 2004, at Herrin Hospital. Services will be held at 10 a. m. Saturday, June 19, 2004, at Riggin- Pillatsch Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastor Russ Warner officiating. Burial will be in North Oakwood Cemetery
in Carterville. Memorials can be made to the Grace Bible Church in Carterville. Betty was born on May 30, 1928, in Herrin, to Dave and Martha (Cleaver) Clark. Betty worked more than 30 years for Allen Industries as a seamstress. She was a member of the Hafer Baptist Church. She enjoyed knitting, quilting and making afghans. She is survived by three sons and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Wilma Richardson of Carterville, Mike Richardson of Carterville and Kent Richardson of Herrin; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sarah and Roger Tolber of West Frankfort and Candy and Ted Harris of Herrin; one sister, Ludene Rushing of Garland, Texas; six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and one great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents, one grandchild, three brothers and one sister.
Antoinetta 'Netta' Teresa Braga
HERRIN -- Antoinetta 'Netta' Teresa Braga, 96, died at 2 p. m. Wednesday, June 16, 2004, at Cardinal Health Care in Energy. Netta was born Jan. 18, 1908, in St. Louis, to Louis and Josephine (Berra) Clavenna. She married Angelo Braga on Sept. 19, 1944, in Herrin. He preceded her in death on April 7, 1959. She had several jobs before she retired which included working at the Illinois Cafe, a clerk at the Illinois Brokerage, as well as tour guide for Presley Tours. Netta was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin, where she was a past president of the Catholic Women's Club, Daughters of Isabella. She volunteered at the Community Food Pantry and was active with the Knights of Columbus ladies auxiliary and the Herrin Senior Citizens. She a was active in the First United Methodist Church 'Willing Workers', AARP. She was also a world traveler. Netta was the Grand Marshall of Herrin Pesta Italiana Parade in 1994. Survivors include a brother and sister-in-law, Herman 'Huck' and Jeannie Clavenna of Herrin; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Clavenna of Herrin, Susan Clavenna of Herrin, Robert and Donna Clavenna of Antioch, Calif., Barbara Clavenna of Birmingham, Ala. ; cousins, Camilla and Carla Colombo of St. Louis; close friends, Jo Gioia and children of St. Louis. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Bob Clavenna; sister-in-laws, Anna Braga and Louise Clavenna. Services will be held at 11 a. m. today, June 18, 2004, at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home, with Msgr. Ken Schaefer officiating. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a. m. today at the funeral. Memorials may be made to OLMC Renovation Fund or St. Mary's Education Foundation.
Mildred McCabe
TAMMS -- Mildred McCabe, 93, died at 6:36 a. m. Thursday, June 17, 2004, at the Cedar Ridge Health Care Center in Lebanon. She was born on March 25, 1911, in Elco, the daughter of Scott and Mary (White) Mitchell. She married William McCabe, and he died in 1971. Mildred was a homemaker. She was a member of the Tamms Community Church, Tamms Senior Citizens, Friendship Club of Cape Girardeau and the Pulaski-Alexander County Farm Bureau. She has also been a Pink Lady at the Memorial Hospital of Belleville. She is survived by her niece, Mary Kathryn Houchin of Lebanon. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and two brothers, Alfred Mitchell and Walter Mitchell. Services will be at 11 a. m. Saturday, June 19, 2004, at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, with the Revs. Larry Buckles and Gene Hart officiating. Interment will be in the Provo Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p. m. today at the funeral home.
Connie Forsynthe
WEST FRANKFORT -- Connie Anna Forsynthe, 55, died at 4:10 p. m. Wednesday, June 16, 2004, as the result of an accident at Illinois 149 and Rose Lane. Arrangements are incomplete at Parker-Reedy Funeral Home.
Linda Dunford
THOMPSONVILLE -- Linda K. Dunford, 56, of Thompsonville, died at 10:20 a. m. Thursday, June 17, 2004, at home. Services will be held at 11 a. m. Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Jon Cannon and the Rev. Jerry Schell officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Zion Cemetery
in Thompsonville. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p. m. today at the funeral home. Linda Dunford was born Dec. 13, 1947, in Benton, the daughter of Weldon 'Doc' and Julia (Williams) Flannigan. She married Kent Dunford Sr. on May 6, 1966, in Thompsonville, and he survives. They have been married for 38 years. Linda was a much loved and devoted Free Will Baptist pastor's wife, and served in that role in a number of area churches. She was a Sunday school and Bible schoolteacher, and was loved by the young people that she taught and befriended. She graduated from Rend Lake College with a Culinary Arts Certificate. Linda was a homemaker, and loved spending time with her three grand children. She also enjoyed cooking, camping, and fishing. She is survived by two sons, Kent Jr. and wife Sandy Dunford of Rantoul, Steve and wife Tammy Dunford of Sesser; three grandchildren, Kaylee and Sarah Dunford of Rantoul, Andrew Dunford of Sesser; a brother, David and wife Edie Flannigan of Akin; a sister, Patty and husband Jim Heifner, Akin; father and mother-in-law, Charles and wife Pansy Dunford of Thompsonville and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Linda was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother, Billy Ray Flannigan. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Frances Pauline Benton
HERRIN -- Frances Pauline Benton, 87, died Thursday, June 17, 2004, at the O'Fallon Health Care Center. Services will be held at 9:30 a. m. Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the Second Baptist Church in Herrin, with the Rev. Bill Fox officiating. Viewing will be from 2 to 3 p. m. at the Lakeview Baptist Church in Fairview Heights. Burial will follow at 3 p. m. in the Lakeview Cemetery
in Fairview Heights. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p. m. today, June 18, 2004, at the Van Natta Funeral Home. Frances was born on Jan. 23, 1917, in Herrin, the daughter of Ray and Kate (McCalpin) Alexander. Both parents preceded her in death. She married Robert Benton, and he preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Eva Dekum; and two brothers, James and Dwight. Survivors are her three sons, Mr. Allen and Karen Benton of St. Louis, James Benton of Little Rock, Ark., Mr. William and Judy Benton of Cahokia; two sisters, Mrs. Vera Woolard of Herrin, and Mrs. Mary Lee McCree of Herrin; she is also survived by nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Lakeview Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, where she worked with the seniors and youth of the church.
Frank Kish Jr.
HERRIN -- Frank Kish Jr., 87, died 7:20 p. m. Sunday, June 13, 2004, at his son's home in Palmer, Alaska. Frank was born Dec. 17, 1916, in Flint, Mich., to Frank and Margaret (Fedglam) Kish. He married Alma Marie May on June 30, 1950, in Herrin. Alma preceded him in death on July 15, 1998. Frank retired in 1980 from Zeigler Coal Company. He served his country during World War II with the United States Navy. He was a member of the Herrin Eagles. He was a protestant. Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, James and Jean Kish of Pinckneyville, Frankie and Glenda Kish of Palmer, Alaska, and Johnie and Candy Kish of San Diego; seven grandchildren, Stacie Kish of Emmet, Wash., Jami Jennings and husband, Nathan of Marion, Travis Kish of Portland, Ore., Lindsay Kish of Palmer, Johnie Marie Kish of San Diego, Curtis Kish and wife, Tammy of Du Quoin, and Valerie Baker and husband, Dave of Pinckneyville; several great-grandchildren; three sisters, Ann Tittle of Grand Prarie, Texas, Mary Louise McClean of Birmingham, Ala., and Helen Jakovich of San Francisco, Calif. ; one brother, John Edward Kish of Flint, Mich. ; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother, Steve Kish and one sister, Frances St. Pierre. Services will be 10 a. m. Saturday, June 19, 2004, at Denning Cemetery
in West Frankfort, with the Rev. Kenneth Curry officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery. Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery on Saturday morning.
Pauline Novak
FREEBURG -- Pauline F. Novak, 99, died at 3:20 p. m. Wednesday, June 16, 2004, at the Freeburg Care Center. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a. m. Saturday at the St. Michael Catholic Church in Radom, with the Fatherr Von Deeke officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 a. m. to 10:30 a. m. at the Campagna Funeral Home in Ashley.
Brother Harold Jones
BROOKPORT -- Brother Harold Jones, 73, died at 5:23 p. m. Wednesday, June 16, 2004, at Western Baptist Hospital. Services will be at 11 a. m. Saturday at Aikins-Farmer Brookport Funeral Home, with the Rev. David Siere and the Rev. Charles Tate officiating. Burial will be in Otterbein Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p. m. today at the funeral home.
Edmund Douglas
CHRISTOPHER -- Edmund 'Tootie' Douglas, 77, died at 8:20 p. m. Wednesday, June 16, 2004, at home. There will be no services. Mr. Douglas wished to be cremated. Burial will be at a later date. Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is directing. Mr. Douglas was born Jan. 10, 1927, in Christopher, the son of Lee Arthur and Hallie (Booth) Douglas. He married Shirley Jenkins. She survives. He was a veteran of the Navy during World War II.
Jane Phelps
MAKANDA -- Jane Tally Phelps, 58, died at 3:46 p. m. Thursday, June 17, 2004, at home. Services will be at 11 a. m. Monday at First United Methodist Church in Carbondale. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p. m. Sunday at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, CCHS Foundation or the SIU Foundation for a golf scholarship in her name are the preferred form of remembrance.
Robert 'Bob' Hepburn
UNION COUNTY -- Robert J. 'Bob' Hepburn, 85, Hollywood, Fla., formerly of Union County, passed away Monday, June 14, 2004, at Memorial Hospital on Hollywood, Fla. He was born Sept. 7, 1918, in Chicago, the son of Edward and Augusta (Bermeister) Hepburn. He married Virginia C. Penninger on Oct. 7, 1939, in Chicago. She preceded him in death on June 17, 2003. He was a retired motel manager. He served in the U. S. Marines during World War II and was a life member of the Carroll P. Foster Post 3455 Anna VFW. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Sharon Hepburn of Hollywood, Fla., and Mike and Diana Hepburn of Jonesboro; six grandchildren, Rena Stanley, Robert, Allen and Andrea Hepburn, Carla Greiving and Michale Hepburn Jr. ; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Services will be at 1 p. m. in the chapel of Hileman Funeral Home, with Dr. Richard Hertenstein officiating. Interment will be in Jonesboro Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p. m. Saturday at the funeral home. military rites will be conducted at the grave by Carroll P. Foster Post 3455 Anna VFW. Memorials may be made to Anna VFW or to Mount Moriah Lutheran Church.
William 'Bill' Hall
BENTON -- William Edward 'Bill' Hall , 48, formerly of Logan, died Tuesday, June 15, 2004, at Crossroads Hospital in Mount Vernon. Services will be at 1 p. m. Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the Poulson Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Dwight Jones officiating. Burial will be in the Creal Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p. m. today at the funeral home. Mr. Hall was born on Dec. 9, 1955, in Benton, the son of John and Margaret (Butler) Hall. He was married to Melissa (Trammel) Hall for 13 years and she survives in Benton. He was a clerk for Citgo Southern Oil in West Frankfort. He adored his wife and children and was a lover of horses and racing. He attended Bethel Community Church in West Frankfort. Survivors include his wife; his mother; his sons, Keith Robinson of West Frankfort, Lucas and John Hall of Benton; his brothers, Chuck Hall and wife Pam of West Frankfort, Jon Hall and wife Anita Ruth of Benton; brother-in-law, Jack Groves and wife Traci of Herrin; sisters, Janice Fletcher and husband Mike of Thompsonville, Joyce Forsythe and husband Scott of Whittington, Dixie Counts and husband Greg of St. Louis, Dora Duncan and husband Jon of Benton, and Karen Hall of Benton; mother-in-law, Delores Groves of West Frankfort; grandfather-in-law, William Furlow of Marion; He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John Hall; his grandmother, Anna Goda Butler; brother, Karl Lee Hall; sisters, Lora Sue and Kimberly Dawn Hall; and one niece, Ashley Duncan.
Ronald L. Albright
MARION -- Ronald L. Albright, 88, of Charleston, formerly of Marion, died at 8:42 a. m. Friday, June 11, 2004, at the home of a family friend, Lisa Hill Doughty, in Charleston. Ronald was born Jan. 25, 1916, to Fred D. and Lillian Mae (Rush) Albright in Creal Springs. He married Mable Frances Parks on Dec. 24, 1941, in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and she survives in Charleston. Ronald and Mable were the owners of Albright's Clothing Store in downtown Marion for 44 years, from 1955 to 1999. He was active in the First United Methodist Church, serving as Sunday school superintendent for 50 years. Ronald was a founding member of the Marion Kiwanis Club, and in 1997 he received the Marion Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award. He was an
Army veteran of World War II, earning the rank of sergeant. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps for 31/2 years. Ronald was a former employee of the Hotel State and F. W. Woolworth's in Marion. He enjoyed riding horses and caring for his rose garden. Survivors include his wife, Mable, of Charleston; brother, Stanley Rush Albright and his wife, Faye, of Marion; niece, Carol J. Stilley and husband, Charles, of Marion; nephew, Kim Conley and wife, Tricia, of Herrin; niece, Linda Hancock and husband, John, of Marion; special family friends, Lisa Hill Doughty and her husband, Trevor, and their three sons, Darin, Derik and Dylan, of Charleston; several great-nieces and great-nephews. Preceded by his parents; sisters, Doris Winfred Hadggega, Mildred Louise Conley and Eileen Mae Albright; brother, Loren Frank Albright. Services will be at 2:30 p. m. Friday, June 18, 2004, at the First United Methodist Church in Marion, with the Rev. Victor Long officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, with military rites by VFW Post 1301 and American Legion Post 147 of Marion. Visitation will be Friday from 1 p. m. until the time of service at the church. Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion is handling the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 208 W. Main, Marion, IL 62959, or Lincolnland Hospice, in care of Sarah Bush Lincoln Foundation, 700 W. Lincoln, Suite 800, Charleston, IL 61920. Envelopes will be available at the church or at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home.
Thomas B. Ondrak
CARBONDALE -- Thomas B. Ondrak, 91, died Tuesday, June 15, 2004, at Oak Grove Nursing Home in Carbondale. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p. m. Friday at Walker Funeral Home in Carbondale. Services will be at 10:30 a. m. Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Carbondale, with the Rev. Bob Flannery officiating. Interment will be at 10:30 a. m. Monday in Queen of Heaven Cemetery
in Hillside, with Deacon Edward Sheffer presiding. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Southern Illinois or to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Tom was born June 23, 1912, to Peter and Rose Ondrak. At the tender age of 76, Tom relinquished his bachelorhood and married Velma Mass. She preceded him in death only after the two lived a lifetime of memories in 13 short years. He is survived by his sister, Adelaide Sheffer of Carbondale. He was preceded in death by his father, Peter; his mothers, Rose and Victoria; his brother, Peter; and sister, Mildred. A World War II veteran, Tom served in the
Army Air Corps and had been an active member of the American Legion. After serving his country Tom earned a master's degree in mathematics and for many years enjoyed the opportunity to teach countless students calculus as professor of mathematics at the University of Illinois. Affectionately nicknamed 'the professor' by family relatives, Tom spent the last several years of life in a gallant fight against Alzheimer's under the joint care of both a loving family and the wonderful staff at the Oak Grove Nursing Home. During that fight Tom never stopped teaching his family and all that knew him. His patience, gentleness and unwavering faith will continue to inspire those who knew him for many years to come.
