U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Roberta McWhirter
HERRIN -- Roberta (Crenshaw) McWhirter, 90, of Surprise, Ariz., passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2004. She was born Dec. 5, 1913, at Crenshaw Crossing. She was the seventh child of Edward M. and Mae (Grant) Crenshaw. She married Glen McWhirter Dec. 28, 1957, in Chicago. He passed away on July 25, 1968. She is survived by two daughters, Julie Henderson of Surprise, Ariz., and Yuonne Culligan of Tinley Park; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; two brothers, Ernest Crenshaw and John Crenshaw, Sr.; and five sisters, Flossie Volle, Elizabeth Halbin, Lois Hays, Beulah True, and Helen Crenshaw; two son-in-laws, William (Bill) Henderson and John Culligan. Services will be held at 11 a. m. Wednesday, July 7, 2004, in the Herrin City Cemetery. Her burial will be next to her husband. Van Natta Funeral Home in Herrin is in charge of arrangements.
Clarence Leal Clutts Sr.
EDDYVILLE -- Clarence Leal Clutts Sr., 66, died at 11:24 p. m. Friday, July 2, 2004, in Lourdes Hospital. Services will be held at 11 a. m. Monday, July 5, 2004, at the Aly Funeral Home in Eddyville, with the Revs. Jr. Mott and Virgil Cox officiating. Burial will be in the Waltersburg Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p. m. today at the funeral home.
James Earl Brewer
DE SOTO -- James Earl Brewer, 77, passed away at 7:42 p. m. Friday, July 2, 2004, in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Services will be held at 11 a. m. Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale, with the Rev. John Adams officiating. Interment will be held at Rowan Cemetery
in Makanda. military honors at the gravesite will be conducted by the Anna VFW Post 3455. Friends may call from 6 until 8 p. m. Monday, July 5, 2004, at the funeral home. James was born Nov. 28, 1926, in Carbondale, to Louie Earl and Linnie Ethel (Nance) Brewer. Survivors include two sons and one daughter-in-law, Robert Earl and Violy Brewer of Bush and David Vachata of De Soto; one daughter, Debbie Boucher of Sand Ridge; three sisters, Lois Goodnight of De Soto, Ethel Barnett of Elkville, and Margerie Hinkle of Anna; two granddaughters, Elena Marie Brewer of De Soto and Trina Marie Buffum of Cookeville, Tenn.; and one great-grandson, Nathan Weathersbee of Cookeville, Tenn. He is preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Richard Lee Brewer. James attended De Soto United Methodist Church. He was a member of VFW post 7190 and the Moose Lodge 7990. He honorably served his country with the United States Navy during World War II. Before his retirement in 1986 he was employed by the Illinois Department of Corrections as a security guard at Menard.
Ernest 'Ernie' Waldman
WALTONVILLE -- Ernest E. 'Ernie' Waldman, 74, died at 11:15 p. m. Friday, July 2, 2004, at St. Louis University Hospital. Services will be held at 10 a. m. Monday, July 5, 2004, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with Father Dan Jurek officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Charles Cemetery
in Dubois. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p. m. today, July 4, 2004, at the Hughey Funeral Home. He was born Aug. 14, 1929, in Dubois, to Edwin and Martha (Glazik)Waldman. He married Betty I. Dees on Nov. 3, 1956, in Dubois. She preceded him in death. Mr. Waldman was a farmer. He also drove a school bus for the Waltonville school district for many years. He also worked for the Jefferson County Highway Department. He loved to watch sprint car racing. He is survived by his special friend, Phyllis Williams of Mount Vernon; two sons, Bruce Waldman and wife Cindy of Waltonville, and Kevin Waldman and wife Beth of Springfield; five grandchildren, Brett Waldman, Matthew Waldman, Brian Waldman, Eric Waldman and Sarah Waldman; one brother, Eugene Waldman and wife Pat of Dubois; also, several nieces and nephews survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and one sister, Dolores Pestka. For those who wish, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church Building Fund or the St. Charles Cemetery
in Dubois, and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P. O. Box 721, Mount Vernon, IL 62864. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home.
Jean Rhea
HERRIN -- Jean Rhea, 80, passed away 7:55 p. m. Friday, July 2, 2004, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Mrs. Rhea retired as the director of payroll for St. John's Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. She married John Anthony Rhea of St. Louis on Aug. 5, 1955. Mr. Rhea preceded her in death on Oct. 24, 1993. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Ethel Cavaretta of Royalton and her niece, Judy Feezor of Herrin. She has resided in Herrin with her twin sister, Betty Burgess since 1993. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Herrin. Survivors include her twin sister, Betty Burgess of Herrin; one son, John Rhea and his wife Patti of Seattle, Wash.; two grandsons, John Rhea and his wife Nicole and Jeff Rhea all of Seattle, Wash.; one great-grandson, John Daniel 'Jack' Rhea of Seattle, Wash.; one niece, Donna Oldani of Herrin; one nephew, Steve Burgess and his wife, Kelly of Pittsburg, Pa. She is also survived by eight great nieces and nephews; and ten, fourth-generation nieces and nephews. Services will be 11 a. m. Wednesday, July 7, 2004, at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home, with the Rev. Ron Henwood officiating. Interment will be held Thursday, July 8, 2004, in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
in Jefferson Barracks, Mo. Visitation will be from 9 a. m. until time of the service at 11:00 a. m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Margaret Phillabaum
MARION -- Margaret Phillabaum, 84, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Thursday, June 24, 2004, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital after a long illness. Margaret was born in Williamson County, the daughter of Thomas Richard and Isa Watson Blankenship. She enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. In 1946, she was married to Raymond Joseph Phillabaum who served in the United States Air Force for 23 years. After his discharge from the Air Force, they retired in Florida. Mrs. Phillabaum actively volunteered and sat on he Board of the Charlotte County Corps of the Salvation
Army. She was an avid sports fan and an enthusiastic, lifelong supporter of the New York Yankees. She is survived by her sister, Ruby Adams of Marion; brother, Luther Blankenship of Johnston City; her brother-in-law, Elmer Lother of Marion; her daughter-in-law, Nancy Phillabaum of Morgantown, Ind.; and her grandson, Kyle of Morgantown. She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Richard of Morgantown, Ind.; and her sisters, Ruth Stokes and Mryl Lother of Marion. Services were held July 1, 2004, at the Salvation
Army Chapel in Port Charlotte, Fla. Burial will be in the Cana Cemetery
near Goreville in Johnson County. Arrangements by Kays Ponger/Royal Palm Funeral Home in Port Charlotte, Fla.
S. Barry Konneker
MURPHYSBORO -- S. Barry Konneker, 68, died Friday, June 18, 2004. His body was cremated. Pettett Funeral Home was in charge of local arrangements. Services will be held at 10:30 a. m. Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at the Rural Methodist Church in Carlinville. Memorials may be made to the S. Barry Konneker Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Carlinville High School, Carlinville, IL, or S. Barry Konneker Memorial Scholarship Fund for Blackburn College; Carolyn Hallbauer, 18584 Barnett Road, Carlinville, IL 62626.
Eugene Chambers
MURPHYSBORO -- Mr. Eugene E. 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. (DiPaola) 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, 2004. 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 preceded in death by his wife, Anna; and two sisters, Essie Chambers and Clara Glotfelty Chambers. 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 more than 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.
David E. Curry
METROPOLIS -- David E. Curry, 49, passed away at 5:50 a. m. Saturday, July 3, 2004, at home. Services will be held at 1 p. m. Monday, July 5, 2004, at Round Springs Cemetery, with the Rev. Charles Curry officiating. Burial will follow in the Round Springs Cemetery
in Massac County. There will be no visitation. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. He was a retired construction laborer and a Baptist. He is survived by his sister, Wilmetta Cougill and husband Floyd of Metropolis; a half-brother, Millard E. Curry, Jr. and wife Doris of Staunton; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Millard E. Curry, Sr.; mother, Goldie (Crider) Curry; and an infant brother. Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home in Metropolis is in charge of arrangements.
Harold Hoffard
JOHNSTON CITY -- Harold Hoffard, 79, died at 1:19 p. m. Saturday, July 3, 2004, in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at the Murman and Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City.
John H. Bauernfeind
MOUNT VERNON -- John H. Bauernfeind, 63, died at 10:30 p. m. Friday, July 2, 2004, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a. m. Wednesday, July 7, 2004, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with Father Dan Jurek officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. There will be no public visitation. He was born Jan. 19, 1941, in Waukegan, to Harry and Georgiana (Hoover) Bauernfeind. He first married Karon (Sullivan) Bauernfeind, and then married Barbara (Wilcox) Bauernfeind on Nov. 26, 1983, in Carbondale. John was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He was a retired librarian at Herrin Junior High School, worked at Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and taught at Rend Lake College for five years, and also taught computers at St. Mary's School. He was an avid organist, loved photography and antique cars. He also loved helping the children at St. Mary's School. He belonged to the Mount Vernon Old Timers Car Club, the Elks Lodge BPOE 1678 and Moose Lodge 755. He is survived by his wife, Barbara of Mount Vernon; two sons, John Bauernfeind of Herrin, Ryan Wilcox and wife Emily of Pinckneyville; two daughters, Kim Hall and husband Brad of Ziegler, and Tracy Galloway and husband Robert of Brighton; seven grandchildren, Trey Wilcox, Jessica Hall, Jack Wilcox, Nate Wilcox, Joe Wilcox, Peyton Galloway and Krystin Hall; one sister, Lois Wilson and husband Floyd of Richfield, N. C., one niece, Lynn Stock and husband Stephen of Ocala, Fla.; and one great-nephew, Michael Stock of Ocala, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials may be made to the St. Mary's Parish Building Fund or St. Mary's School and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P. O. Box 721, Mount Vernon, IL 62864. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home.
Wave Wallace Meek
CARBONDALE -- Wave Wallace Meek, 84, of Carbondale, died Wednesday, June 9, 2004, at home. She was born Feb. 25, 1920, in Byers, Texas, the daughter of Thomas and Cora Wallace. She had two brothers, J. M. and Ferrell who preceded her death in death. She married Clinton R. Meek on Dec. 24, 1942, in Gulfport, Miss., while he served in the U. S. Coast Guard. They had one son, Clinton R. Meek Jr., born Aug. 3, 1944, and he died, Aug. 4, 1944. Wave and Clinton was a very loving couple to one another and they enjoyed 46 years of marriage together. Clinton died May 26, 1989. Wave and Clinton met in Wheeler, Texas, and they lived in North Dakota, Nashville, Tenn. Washington D. C. and Mississippi before moving to Carbondale in 1954. Clinton taught at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and they lived in the same house their entire time in Carbondale. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p. m. Saturday, June 12, 2004, at Wright Funeral Home, Wheeler, Texas. Services were at 1:30 p. m. Sunday, June 13, 2004, at Wheeler Cemetery, Wheeler, Texas. Meredith Funeral Home, Carbondale assisted with arrangements.
Velma 'Chubby' Severs
ANNA -- Velma 'Chubby' Severs, 84, died at 7:24 a. m. Friday, July 2, 2004, at home. She was born on April 7, 1920, in West Frankfort, the daughter of Erskin and Mary (Ammon) Nelson. She married Clifford Severs on July 18, 1940, and he died on May 13, 1988. Velma had worked as a presser at a dry cleaner. She was a member of the Anna Heights Baptist Church in Anna. She loved to sew, to dance and go shopping. She is survived by her niece, Teena Kraatz of Dongola; nephews, Doug Severs of Dongola, and Ronald Nelson of Fairfield; brother-in-law, Don Severs and wife Wanda of Anna; four sister-in-laws, June Severs of Camden, S. C., Opal Severs of Herrin, Mary Severs of Calif., and Ethel Nelson of Fairfield; numerous other nieces and nephews; and faithful friends, Juanita Heisner, Cecile Schlenker and Dixie and Jerry Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and son Larry Severs on March 28, 1956; and one brother. Services will be at 10 a. m. Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at Crain Funeral Home in Anna, with Bill Littrell and Dale Jones officiating. Interment will be in the Ullin Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p. m. Monday at the Crain Funeral Home in Anna. Memorials may be made to the March of Dimes or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Elyvon Hafford Morehead
CAIRO -- Elyvon Hafford Morehead, 84, died Friday, July 2, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Elyvon was born in Louisiana, Mo., Jan. 24, 1920, to John and Effa Mae (Johnson) Tucker. She married Glenn Hafford on July 4, 1940, and he preceded her in death on Oct. 8, 1966. She married Morris Morehead on April 16, 1971, and he survives. In addition to her husband, Elyvon is survived by two children; son, John Hafford and wife Maria, and daughter, Susan Hafford Brown and husband, Tom, all of Carterville; daughter-in-law, Mary Ellen Hafford of Cary; two step-daughters, Morrissa Clanahan of Mound City and Ouida Haralambidis of Olive Branch; brother, John Tucker of Hampton, Va.; and sisters, Lois Nelms and husband, Carl, of Paducah, Avis Wirth of Houston, and Thelma Kearney of Sun City, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; one step-granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews. Elyvon was preceded in death by her brother, Glenn Tucker; and son, James Hafford. Visitation for Elyvon will be held from 5 to 8 p. m. Monday, July 5, 2004, at the Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo. Services will be held at 11 a. m. Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Beechwood Cemetery
in Mounds.
Naomi Owen
CARBONDALE -- Naomi Owen died Saturday, July 3, 2004, at home. Arrangements are incomplete at Walker Funeral Home in Carbondale.
Ronald 'Dee' Parks
Marion -- Ronald 'Dee' Parks, 45, of Marion, died at 5:30 AM, Friday, July 2, 2004, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Ronald was born on June 23, 1959, in Marion, to James Ronald & Roberta R. (Steele) Parks. He married Karla Lee on Sept. 2, 1979, in Crab Orchard. She survives of Marion. Mr. Parks worked as a machinist and mode-maker for Maytag in Herrin. He was a Methodist. Dee was a family man who enjoyed spending time in the yard landscaping with his wife and pond fishing for whatever was biting. He was a gifted craftsman. He loved to build and design wood furniture: tables, chairs, etc. He once built a picnic table for his family that has withstood 15 years of use. Survivors include his wife, Karla Parks of Marion; son, Jason Dee Parks and fiance Bethany Bradley of Herrin; daughter, Krystal Marie Parks of Herrin; mother, Roberta R. Parks of Goreville; brother-in-law, Kevin Charles Lee of Marion; sister-in-law and brother- in-law, Kelly and Stanford Sparks of Johnston City; nephews, Joshua Lee of Marion and Shawn Sparks of Johnston City; a niece, Shannon Sparks of Johnston City; and several cousins, friends and beloved pets. He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents; and sister-in-law, Karen Lee. Services will be held at 11 a. m. Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion, with Pastor Jeff Odum officiating. Burial will follow in the East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Energy. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p. m. Monday, July 5, 2004, at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to the Leukemia Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www. hughesfuneralhomes. com.
Sheron Dell Wuest
CHRISTOPHER -- Sheron Dell Wuest, 54, of Ankeny, Iowa, died Saturday, July, 3, 2004, at home. Services will be held at 10 a. m. Tuesday, July 6, 2004 at the Mulkeytown Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to go to the cemetery. She was married to Dennis Wuest for 14 years. She loved to collect snowbabies. She is survived by her children, Tom Meskan of Ames, Iowa and Lisa Meskan of Des Moines, Iowa; brothers and sisters, John and Lisa Evans of Des Moines, Iowa, and Patricia Evans of Vienna; and stepson, Robert Wuest of Port Richey, Fla. Gilbert Funeral Home in Vienna is overseeing arrangements.
Loyd Clifford Derossett
ALTO PASS -- Loyd Clifford 'Cliff' Derossett, 73, of Alto Pass, formerly of Murphysboro, died in the early morning hours of Friday, July 2, 2004, of natural causes. Services will be at 2 p. m. today, July 4, 2004, at the Pettett Funeral Home in Murphysboro. The Rev. John Cripps will officiate. Visitation was from 4 to 8 p. m. Saturday and then on Sunday until the time of the service. Masonic rites were conducted at 7 p. m. Saturday. Burial will be in Minton Cemetery, which is located on the family property in rural Alto Pass. Mr. Derossett was born on March 14, 1931, in Grand Tower to Lloyd and Anna Knupp Derossett. He was married to the former Lois Jean Minton of Alto Pass on Oct. 6, 1951, in Murphysboro. They had celebrated 52 wonderful years of marriage. His wife, Lois, survives. Also surviving are their six children: daughters Lynda (Charles) Homan of Murphysboro, Carla Clark and fiance Mike McElroy of Royalton, and Lisa (Jim) Kirby of Murphysboro; sons, Dennis (Katie) Derossett of Alto Pass, Jeff (Crystal Beckstein) Derossett of Pomona, and Doug (Emily) Derossett of Alto Pass; 16 grandchildren: Melissa (Deryk) McDowell of Memphis, Tenn., Megan (Josh) Cox of De Soto, Aaron Derossett of Alto Pass, Rusty Eck of Teutopolis, Keri (Jason) Clemmer of White Sands, N. M., Scott Clark and friend Bonnie Abbott of Sesser, Kelsey Clark of Christopher, Lauren Derossett of Du Quoin, Audrey Derossett of Pomona, Sophi, John, Sam, Gabbi, Franni and Lydia Derossett, all of Alto Pass, and Katlin Kirby of Murphysboro; five great-grandchildren: Ashlie Derossett of Alto Pass, Dylan McDowell of Memphis, Tenn., RyAnn Clark of Sesser, Zoey Cox of De Soto and Justin Clemmer of White Sands, N. M. Also surviving are sisters Ruth Harris of Wolf Lake, Shirley (Bob) Stoner of Prairie du Rocher and Melba Mueller of Belleville; brothers Edward (Leda) Derossett of Splendora, Texas, Monroe (Patty) Derossett of Dupo and Fritz Derossett of Prairie du Rocher; and one aunt, Mary Rose of Anna. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Everett Derossett, Alfred Derossett, Robert Derossett, and an infant sister, Barbara Sue Derossett. For many years he was employed at Lustour Corporation in Murphysboro in the ink department. He later joined the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and worked there until his retirement. He attended the Galilee Baptist Church at Wolf Lake, where he served as a deacon. His church and church family were an important part of his life. Loyd's charitable nature and desire to help others was evident by the organizations to which he chose to devote much of his time. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with membership in the Murphysboro Masonic Lodge and in the Jonesboro Masonic Lodge. He served as secretary for the Murphysboro lodge for 17 years. He was a member of the Jackson County Shrine Club and the Union County Shrine Club. He was Past Worthy Patron of the Order of Eastern Star. He organized the first Shriners Rodeo in Grand Tower, which has become a successful annual event. He was a former member of the Murphysboro Lions Club and also had served as president of the Murphysboro Little League organization. He was a veteran of the U. S.
Army and served overseas in the Korean conflict. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Anna. Just three weeks ago he was reunited with an
Army buddy he had not seen in 52 years. This reunion was featured June 18 in a story in The Southern Illinoisan. He was a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who always had a smile and time to spend with each member of his family. He created a lasting memory for his 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren by calling each of them by a special nickname. His large immediate family was very special to him, as was his extended family of brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins. His congenial manner earned him many friends; he will always be remembered with a smile and his memory will bring a smile to us. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Loyd's preferred charity, the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Loyd Clifford Derossett
ALTO PASS -- Loyd Clifford 'Cliff' Derossett, 73, of Alto Pass, formerly of Murphysboro, died in the early morning hours of Friday, July 2, 2004, of natural causes. Funeral services will be at 2 p. m. Sunday, July 4, at the Pettett Funeral Home in Murphysboro. The Rev. John Cripps will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p. m. Saturday and then on Sunday until the time of the service. Masonic rites will be conducted at 7 p. m. Saturday. Burial will be in Minton Cemetery, which is located on the family property in rural Alto Pass. Mr. Derossett was born on March 14, 1931, in Grand Tower to Lloyd and Anna Knupp Derossett. He was married to the former Lois Jean Minton of Alto Pass on Oct. 6, 1951, in Murphysboro. They had celebrated 52 wonderful years of marriage. His wife, Lois, survives. Also surviving are their six children: daughters Lynda (Charles) Homan of Murphysboro, Carla Clark and fiance Mike McElroy of Royalton, and Lisa (Jim) Kirby of Murphysboro; sons, Dennis (Katie) Derossett of Alto Pass, Jeff (Crystal Beckstein) Derossett of Pomona, and Doug (Emily) Derossett of Alto Pass; 16 grandchildren: Melissa (Deryk) McDowell of Memphis, Tenn., Megan (Josh) Cox of De Soto, Aaron Derossett of Alto Pass, Rusty Eck of Teutopolis, Keri (Jason) Clemmer of White Sands, N. M., Scott Clark and friend Bonnie Abbott of Sesser, Kelsey Clark of Christopher, Lauren Derossett of Du Quoin, Audrey Derossett of Pomona, Sophi, John, Sam, Gabbi, Franni and Lydia Derossett, all of Alto Pass, and Katlin Kirby of Murphysboro; five great-grandchildren: Ashlie Derossett of Alto Pass, Dylan McDowell of Memphis, Tenn., RyAnn Clark of Sesser, Zoey Cox of De Soto and Justin Clemmer of White Sands, N. M. Also surviving are sisters Ruth Harris of Wolf Lake, Shirley (Bob) Stoner of Prairie du Rocher and Melba Mueller of Belleville; brothers Edward (Leda) Derossett of Splendora, Texas, Monroe (Patty) Derossett of Dupo and Fritz Derossett of Prairie du Rocher; and one aunt, Mary Rose of Anna. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Everett Derossett, Alfred Derossett, Robert Derossett, and an infant sister, Barbara Sue Derossett. For many years he was employed at Lustour Corporation in Murphysboro in the ink department. He later joined the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and worked there until his retirement. He attended the Galilee Baptist Church at Wolf Lake, where he served as a deacon. His church and church family were an important part of his life. Loyd's charitable nature and desire to help others was evident by the organizations to which he chose to devote much of his time. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with membership in the Murphysboro Masonic Lodge and in the Jonesboro Masonic Lodge. He served as secretary for the Murphysboro lodge for 17 years. He was a member of the Jackson County Shrine Club and the Union County Shrine Club. He was Past Worthy Patron of the Order of Eastern Star. He organized the first Shriners Rodeo in Grand Tower, which has become a successful annual event. He was a former member of the Murphysboro Lions Club and also had served as president of the Murphysboro Little League organization. He was a veteran of the U. S.
Army and served overseas in the Korean conflict. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Anna. Just three weeks ago he was reunited with an
Army buddy he had not seen in 52 years. This reunion was featured June 18 in a story in The Southern Illinoisan. He was a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who always had a smile and time to spend with each member of his family. He created a lasting memory for each of his 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren by calling them by a special nickname. His large immediate family was very special to him, as was his extended family of brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins. His congenial manner earned him many friends; he will always be remembered with a smile. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Loyd's preferred charity, the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
