Obituaries Pike County IL
HAZEL (KIRK) BALLANTINE
,84, of Hannibal Mo., died Monday, April 8, 1991 at Maple Lawn Nursing Home at Palmyra, Mo. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Smith Funeral Home in Hannibal with the Rev. Mike McLerrin officating. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery near Griggsville.
Visitation at the funeral home will be from 5-8 p.m. today, Wednesday.
Born May 25, 1906 in Pike County, Ill she was a daughter of Andrew Jack and Goldie Higdon Kirk. She married John B. Ballintine April 20, 1950. He died Jan 8, 1964.
Survivors include two sisters, Mrs Elnora Gentry of Hannibal amd Mrs. Dora Lee Johnson of Blandinsville, and a brother, Joe Kirk of Griggsville. She was preceded in death by a brother, William Kirk; and three sisters, Annie Pearson, Elva Riley and Elizabeth Kirk.
Mrs. Ballantine had lived in Hannibal since 1933. She was a member of the Prince Avenue Baptis Church. She had been employed at International Shoe Co. in Hannibal and Long's Nursing Home.
FRED V. BALLINGER
, age 99, of Quincy, Il. and formerly of Baylis, Il. died early Wednesday (February 10, 2010) at the Good Samaritan Home in Quincy, Il. He was born October 21, 1910 in Bonner Springs, Kansas son of the late Sam and Etta May Veltman Ballinger. He married Geraldine McLaughlin Caton on August 5, 1962 in Baylis, Il. and she survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Barbara Patterson and husband of Independence, Mo., Betty Stephens and husband Roger of Mendon, Il., Joyce Worman of Quincy, Il.; three sons, Robert Rigney and wife Betty Lou of Quincy, Il., Charles Ballinger of Garland, Texas, and James Howard Ballinger of Texas; several grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren; and several great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Ruth Ann Ballinger; two sisters, Ruth Benson and Virginia Heather; Kenneth Ballinger and Carl Ballinger; and two half brothers, Leroy Ballinger and Lauren Hargus. Mr. Ballinger was a foreman for Moorman Feeds in Quincy, Il. for many years retiring in 1972. He was a member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints in Quincy, Il. In earlier years, he was very active in Masonic Lodge and was a member of the Herman Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. and the Quincy Valley Consistory. Fred loved woodworking, traveling. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield, Il. Burial will be in Baylis Cemetery in Baylis, Il. Visitation will be one hour prior to services Sunday at the funeral home.
HARRY BALLINGER JR
, 77, of the Jacksonville Convalescent Center, formerly of Griggsville, died early Wed. morning, June 26, 1996 at the Center. Born Nov. 11, 1918 in Pike County, IL, he was a son of the late Harry and Mary Emery Ballinger, Sr. He married Ruby Workman on Nov. 17, 1945 in Griggsville and she survives. Also surviving are 1 daughter, Mary Catherine Ballinger of Griggsville; one son, David L. (wife, Lynn) Ballinger of Pittsfield; 5 grandchildren, Mrs. Bill (Chris) Henry of Garrison, MT; Michael D. Ballinger, Terry Ballinger, Alisha Ballinger and Daniel Ballinger, all of Pittsfield; 1 great-granddaughter, Billie Christina Henry of Garrison, MT; 2 sisters, Martha Hampton of Peoria and Ruth Crocker of Creve Coeur and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 sisters, Lena Heberer, Lela Baker, Florine Vaughn, Blanche Wyatt, and Bessie Smith; and 4 brothers, Glenn, Fred, Homer and Harold Ballinger. Mr. Ballinger farmed with his father on the family farm northeast of Pittsfield and worked many factory jobs including Caterpillar in Peoria. Recently he was employed as a janitor at Illini Hospital in Pittsfield retiring in 1986. Funeral services were held at 10 am Fri. at the Bethel Cemetery near Griggsville. Memorials may be made to the family. Skinner-Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Griggsville is in charge of arrangements.
JUNIOR FLOYD BALLENGER
, 76, of the Barry Community Care Center, formerly of New Canton, died Thursday, April 6, 2000 at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield.
Born Jan. 3, 1924 in Time, he was a son of Walter Floyd and Opal Blacketer Ballenger. He was never married. Survivors include four nephews, and two nieces, several great nieces and great nephews, also great-great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Geneva Dean, Pauline Bernard and Leona Ballenger who died in infancy; also two nieces.
Mr. Ballenger enjoyed taxidermy and dogs. He was outgoing and enjoyed people. He and his mother owned and operated the Ballenger Cafe in New Canton for many years and made many friends. After closing the restaurant he was groundskeeper for Samuel Taylor Cemetery for several years and Shearer Cemetery. He was an avid bird watcher.
Services were held at 2 pm Monday at Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry. Burial was in Shearer Cemetery at New Canton. Pallbearers were Randy Saxbury, Dallas Main, Jim Koeller, Justin Bernard, Garrill Allensworth, and Samuel Gilbert. Memorials are suggested to the Barry Community Care Center.
LINDA L. BALLENGER
, 43, of Jacksonville died at 11:10 a.m. Tuesday while at work at the Jacksonville Convalescent Center. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Williamson Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Burial will be in Pittsfield West Cemetery. Surviving are her husband, Lee; one son, James Andrew Hileman of Patterson; one daughter, Laura Ballenger of Jacksonville; two sisters, Mrs. Paul (Charlotte) Butler of Leroy and Mrs. Everett (Beverly) Pennock of Pittsfield.
LOREN BALLENGER
, 90, a resident of Snyder Vaughn Haven Nursing Home in Rushville and formerly of Mt. Sterling and Chambersburg, died Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at Culbertson Memorial Hospital, Rushville, Illinois.
He was born May 27, 1918 in Pike County, a son of John and Lulu Reagan Ballenger. He married Fern Phillips Aug. 11, 1937 and she preceded him in death Dec. 13, 1981. He later married Peggy Reathaford and she survives.
He is also survived by three children, Selma Louise Wagner of Borger, TX, Violet Rosezetta Lewis of Rushville and Eva Mae (husband Sam) Lewis of Mt. Sterling; 3 step children, Janet Lewis of Rushville, David Reathaford of Mt. Sterling and Teresa Reathaford of Rushville; a sister, Velma Butler of Griggsville; a step brother Bobby Stiller; 14 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and 36 great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Dorothy June Ballenger; 2 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren; three sisters, Vernie Moore, Beulah Jobe, and Clara Belle Gimbell; and a step sister, Shirley Martin.
Mr. Ballenger worked for Oscar Meyer in Beardstown for several years. He attended Pike County schools. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the United States Army. He was a member of the Chambersburg Christian Church and loved hunting, fishing and camping. He especially enjoyed deer hunting.
Funeral services were Thursday at Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Rev. Jeremy Norton officiating. Burial was in Hersman Cemetery south of Mt. Sterling with a military service.
Memorials were suggested to the Chambersburg Christian Church, the family, or the charity of donor's choice.
LOUISE (BONNETT) BALLINGER
, 91, passed away on Tues., Feb. 19, 2008 at 6:00 pm at the Liberty Village, Pittsfield, IL. She was the daughter of Will and Pearl Goldman Bonnett born on July 9, 1916 in Pittsfield, IL. She married Glenn Ballinger in June 15, 1938 and he preceded Dec. 1982. She had a special friend David Bonds and he also preceded her. Louise was a registered L.P.N. and she worked at the Illini Community Hospital in the ER and Surgery Department. She retired from Illini Community Hospital in 1985. She was a member of the Pittsfield United Methodist Church. She attended Pleasant Grove County School, and graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1936. She enjoyed quilting, gardening and cooking. Survivors include a daughter, Mary (Ralph) Matthews, Elsberry, MO, a son Stanley Ballinger, Pekin, IL, 2 brothers Raymond Bonnett, Decatur, IL and Kenneth (Marilyn) Bonnett, Pittsfield, IL, granddaughters Celeste Broussard, New Orleans, LA; Angela (Chris) Staley, Chicago, IL, daughter Clohe; Alicia Ballinger, daughter Alexis fiancé Matt Brick), Pekin, IL; Lisa (James) Watt, Manchester, NH, children James, Scott, Jennifer; 2 grandsons, Matt (Terri) Lewis, Pekin, IL children Emmalee and Alivia; Jim Lewis, Pekin, IL, children Logan, Mason, Zachery, James. Preceded by her husband Glenn Ballinger, special friend David Bonds, a brother, Julius “Buck” Bonnett, and 3 sisters, Elizabeth, Mary and Marjorie. Funeral services will be held on Sat., Feb. 23, 2008 at 2:30 pm at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, IL with Rev. Linda Peyla officiating. Burial will be in the West Cemetery, Pittsfield, IL. Lunch will be served following the services at the United Methodist Church Orr Hall. Visitation will be held on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 6-8 pm at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, IL. Memorials are to the Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
RUBY C. (WORKMAN) BALLINGER
, 75, of Griggsville, died Fri. evening, Jan. 30, 2004, at Illini Hospital in Pittsfield. She was born Nov. 28, 1928 near Chambersburg to the late Herman and La Vica Robinson Workman. She married Harry Ballinger Jr. Nov. 17, 1945 in Griggsville. He died June 26, 1996. Surviving are 1 daughter, Mary Cathy Ballinger of Griggsville; a son, David L. (wife Lynn) Ballinger of New Salem; 5 grandchildren, Chris (husband Bill) Henry of Garrison, MT, M. David Ballinger of Pittsfield, Alisha Ballinger of Downers Grove, and Terry (wife Shelley) Ballinger, and Daniel Ballinger of New Salem; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; a sister, Marjorie Workman of Jacksonville; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Ralph and Jesse Workman. Mrs. Ballinger loved to cook, garden, read, quilt and sew. She was a seamstress and a past employee of Brown Shoe Factory in Pittsfield. She attended the Pittsfield Assembly of God Church, as well as the Griggsville Nazarene Church. Her greatest love was for her family and grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 am Wed., Feb. 4, at the Airsman-Hires Chapel in Griggsville with Pastor Ken Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery near Griggsville. Friends may call 1 hour prior to services Wed. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family.
MAYNARD BIRCH
, 84, of Griggsville, died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, at the Griggsville Estates.
He was born Oct. 2, 1923 youngest son of the late Arland Edward and Ada Lavina Newman Birch.
He married Kathryn Elizabeth Riley March 11, 1945 in Jacksonville, and she preceded him in death April 30, 1989.
Surviving are two daughters, Linda Patton and husband Ronald of Griggsville, and Lucia Rottenberg and husband Dwight of Irving, Texas; a son, Steven D. Birch and wife Carol of Lewistown; three grandchildren, Amy Birch of Bloomington, Kathryn Bailey and husband Christopher of Sandy Springs, Ga. and Emily Rottenberg of Galveston, Texas; a step-granddaughter, Elizabeth Butler of Peoria; three great-grandchildren, William, Katherine, and Benjamin Bailey of Sandy Springs, Ga.; a sister Genevieve Birch Bloys of Louisville, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by is parents; wife; and a sister, Jeannette Birch Thimming.
Mr. Birch was a graduate of Griggsville High School and Gem City Business College in Quincy. He served a short stint in the U.S. Navy and was a fourth generation farmer on the family farm on which he was born.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, at the Airsman-Hires Chapel in Griggsville. Burial was in Griggsville Cemetery. Visitation was held from 6 p.m. to 8 pm. Sunday at the chapel. Memorials may be made to the Griggsville Cemetery or Griggsville Estates.
ROBERT BIRCH
, 83, of rural Griggsville, died Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, at his residence in rural Griggsville.
He was born Oct. 13, 1925, on the family farm at Griggsville, a son to Jesse R. and Hazel M. Cawthon Birch. He married Evelyn "Maxine" Birch Feb. 2, 1948 at the Griggsville United Methodist Church and she preceded him in death Jan. 22, 2007.
Robert was a third generation grain and livestock farmer and raised purebred Herford cattle and Hampshire hogs. He was a member of the Griggsville United Methodist Church where he served as a church trustee, chairman of the administrative council and served on various church committees. Robert was a lifetime member and founder of the Griggsville Boat Club, a member of the Pike County Farm Bureau, and a past president of the Bethel Cemetery Association. He enjoyed boating, reading, and watching history channels but farming was his passion.
One son John R. (Cheryl) Birch of Griggsville; two daughters, Diane (Mark) Rooney of Newport Coast, Calif. and Karen Birch of Barrington; and one grandson, Shane Rooney of Newport Coast, survive him. Three sisters, Marie (Robert) Iftner of Harvard, Lois (Robert) Purdy of Shabbona, and Gladys Ann (Richard) Myers of Griggsville, also survive.
Services were held at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 21, at the Griggsville United Methodist Church in Griggsville, with Rev. David Kelly officiating. Interment was in the Griggsville Cemetery. A lunch for the family and friends will be served after the interment at the Good Sheppard Hall in Griggsville. Family and friends called Sunday evening, Sept. 20, from 4 until 8 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield.
In lieu of flowers family suggests that memorials be made to the Griggsville Cemetery.
ESTHER DELORIS (WOODRUFF) BONNETT
, 77, of Pittsfield, died Thursday morning at the Pittsfield Health Care and Rehabilitation Center.
Mrs. Bonnett was born on March 2, 1931, in East St. Louis, to Newman and Dorothy Nance Woodruff. She married J. N. Bonnett Aug.21, 1982, in Pittsfield, and he survives. She was a health care administrator of Community Care Systems.
She is survived by her husband: J.N. Bonnett of Pittsfield; her mother, Mrs. Dorothy Woodruff of Pittsfield; a son, Rick Orr of Pittsfield; a sister, Mrs. Reba Pease of Pittsfield; and five grandchildren.
Cremation rites have been accorded per her wishes. Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield is handling the arrangements. No services are planned at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Pleasant Grove Cemetery. On-line condolences may be sent to info@nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.
VELMA BONNETT
, age 59, of Pittsfield, Il. died Wednesday evening (July 18, 2007) at Illini Hospital in Pittsfield, Il. She was born August 31, 1947 in Pittsfield, Il. daughter of the late Julius Newton and Corinne Nighswonger Bonnett.
Surviving are two brothers, Roger Bonnett and wife Janet and J. N. Bonnett and wife Dee Bonnett all of Pittsfield, Il.; a niece, Cheryl Elder and husband Steve of Keokuk, Iowa; a nephew, Jeff Bonnett and wife Kelli of Pittsfield, Il.; great-nieces, Rachel and Brooke Elder of Keokuk, Iowa, and Megan and Lindsey Bonnett of Pittsfield, Il.; a aunt, Louise Ballinger of Pittsfield, Il.; two uncles, Kenneth Bonnett of Pittsfield, Il. and Raymond Bonnett of Decatur, Il.; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters in infancy, Judith Ann Bonnett and Janet Marie Bonnett.
She loved watching T.V. especially "I Love Lucy" and the "Wizard of Oz".
ABNER BOOTH
, was born January 1, 1834, in Orangeville, Mercer county, Pa., and died at his home in Barry, Ill., June 8, 1917, at the ripe age of 83 years, 5 months and 7 days. With his parents he came to Pike county in 1845 and the family settled near Barry. Here he has made his home...for the past 72 years....Mr. Booth was married to Miss Mary A. Clark, of this place, March 11, 1862, who survives him. To them were born five children, of whom four survive. They are John Booth, who resides in the state of Kansas; William and Charles, of Barry, and Mrs. Ida Hanson, of Cincinnati Landing. He leaves 8 grandchildren. There remain also an original family of eight in his father's home two sisters, Mrs. Emma Lindsay, of Broadhead, Wis., and Mrs. Harriet Gibson, of Wichita, Kan., and one brother, Harvey Booth, of Barry. Soon after his marriage he heard his country's call for volunteers and enlisted in the army in Co. B, 68th Illinois Infantry Volunteers on May 27, 1862, and rendered honorable service until his discharge....He was...a member of John McTucker Post G.A.R.
HARRIETT BOOTH
, 82, of Liberty Village in Pittsfield, and formerly of rural Nebo died Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, at Liberty Village.
She was born July 25, 1929 in Pleasant Hill, a daughter of Claude and Erma Jennings Freeman. She married Keith Booth on May 15, 1948 in Pleasant Hill and he died January 8, 2002. Harriett was a graduate of Pleasant Hill High School and was a homemaker and farm wife. She was a member of the Pike County Home Bureau and was involved with PTA when her children were younger. She was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include two sons, Mick (Kim) Booth and Greg Booth, both of Quincy; a daughter, Judy (Greg) Galloway of Atlanta, Ga.; five grandchildren, Matt Galloway, Jennifer Booth, Nick Galloway, Adam Booth and Eric Booth; and three great-grandchildren. Harriett was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother, J.C. Freeman and by a grandson, Alex Booth.
Graveside services were held Thursday, Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. at Crescent Heights Cemetery in Pleasant Hill conducted by Bro. Don Hannel. There was no visitation, but friends were invited to the graveside services. Memorials may be made to the Crescent Heights Cemetery Association. Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill is handling the arrangements
HARRY BRANCH
- Death came to Harry Branch, veteran contractor and builder of this city at 8 o'clock Friday night at Illini Hospital. He had been a patient there since the middle of December and had been in failing health several months previous to that.
Mr. Branch was 79 years old last July 15, and untl last fall was actively engaged in the work he loved that of building. He was born at Valley City in 1870, the son of Edwardand Sarah Ann Smith Branch, andhis father at that time was engaged in building the railroad bridge across the river there. He inherited his love and ability for building from both his parents, as his mother's father cut the stones for the first Catholic Church in this city, and also the old East School building. He had followed the trade for well over half a century, and during those years establised a reputation for fine architecture over central Illinois.
It would be impossible to name all the buildings erected by Harry Branch but Joe Brew, who has plastered for Mr. Branch, for many years, and Wayne Peebles, Mr. Branch's nephew and able foreman, told us some of the main ones. He built the new Cardinal Inn, Super Market, International Harvester building, Orr Memorial Hall, addition to the library, the county jail, Lewis' Garage, Kern's Garage, the shoe factory, remodeling of Clark Theatre here and at Louisiana, and two new theatres at Barry and Shelbina, MO., addition to the high school and many of the finer homes in Pittsfield. He built school houses in Nebo, Pearl, Milton, Griggsville, New Salem and Baylis. For about six years, from 1925 to 1931 the family moved to Decatur, IL and while living there Mr. Branch was the contractor for many large and beautiful structures. He built the T.B. Hospital in Decatur, the Baptist Church at Stonington and schools at Savannah, Westvill, Weldon, two at Illiopolis, Macon, Blue Mound, Westervelt, Bradley, Homer, Seymour and probably several others. For many years he has maintained a crew of from thirty to forty men and his workmen all speak highly of him. Always ambitious, no job was too large or too small for him to do, andmany times in recent years he worked far beyond his strength.
Mr. Branch was married to Laura Gleckler, May 28, 1897 and they were parents of three daughters. Their oldest daughter Mavis, Mrs. Frank Aber died in April 1944 and her death was a sad blow to Mr. Branch. The two surviving daughters are Mrs. Dorothy Brown at home and Ruth, Mrs. Evans Kern of this city. Mrs. Branch the two daughters and his son-in-law Frank Aber have been devoted in caring for him during his long illiness. He is also survived by four grandaughters,Mrs. Idell Whipple, Indianapolis, IN., Mrs. Jeanette Wood, El Dara, Il. Mrs. Eleanor Barber, Pittsfield, Il. Mrs. Donna Carol Newsome, Canton, NC.; one grandson, Capt. Wm. Kern of Mercedes, CA., who was unable to come to the funeral and eight great grandchildren. A grandson Robert Gordley, was killed in action in World War II and was brought to New York for burial a year ago last summer.
Also surviving are two brothers Morris of Stonington and Stanley of this city, and two sisters, Mrs. Dora Claus of this city and Miss Sarah Branch of Portand, OR., Mrs. Branch's only brother, Will Gleckler of Houston, TX., was unable to come but phoned the family on learning of Mr. Branch's death. A brother, Roy Branch, also a contractor and buildre died in Red Wood, CA., about a year ago.
Funeral services were held Monday morning at St. Mary's Catholic Church, conducted by Father E. J. Scanlan, Pallbearers were Chas. Dugan, Jacksonville; Hubert Peebles, R. L. Myers, Arthur Ator, Byron Barber and Forrest Kindred all of who had worked for Mr. Branch. Honorary pallbearers were Sam Jenkins, Harold Hunter, John McAllister, Joe Brew, Earl Zimmerman, Frank Main, Gus Kientzle, Ed Lowry, Wester Phillips, Columbia, MO.; and Evan Angle, Louisiana, MO. Burial was in the West Cementary.
LAURA ALICE (GLECKLER) BRANCH
- Funeral services for Mesl Laura Branch, 87 of Pittsfield will be held at 2:30 this afternoon (Wednesday) at Pittsfield Methodist church with Rev. Walter Theobald officating. Interment will be in West Cemetery.
Mrs. Branch died at 9:20 a.m. Sunday, July 30 in Illini hospital where she was taken Saturday afternoon. She had been in failing health for a number of years and from January to May of this year was hospitialized at Illini. Her daughter, Mrs. Ruth Kern, visited her daily and assisted inher care. Mrs. Branch had resided with Ruth the past eight years.
Born on a farm near Pittsfield, IL. September 30.1879 Laura Alice Gleckler was the daughter of Christopher Columbus and Sarah Ann Whitten Gleckler. She was the last survivin member of the family of four sons and three daughters.
She was married May 20, 1897 to Harry Bart Branch and they had three daughters, two fo whom are deceased. They were Mrs. Mavis Aber and Mrs. Dorothy Brown.
Besides the daugher, Mrs. Kern, Mrs. Branch is survived by four granddaughters, 12 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two grandsons, Capt. William Scott Kern of the United States Air Force, and Pfc Robert Gordley, killed in German in World War II.
Also preceding her were four brothers and two sisters; Charles, John, Will and Frank Gleckler. Elizabeth Miller and Ida Curless.
Mrs. Branch was a past president; of Red Cross: helped introduce the TB seals to Pike County; was the first president of the Illini Hospital Auxiliary, serving two years; past president and one of the three founders of Fortnightly Literary Club in 1909, federated in 1910: past president of County Federation of Women's Clubs; past president of the Study Club and the Delphian Society; past president of the Women's Club, and charter member of Pittsfield Garden Club and past member of U.S. Army Mothers.
Through the years she and her family wer active in the work of the Methodist chuch. Mr. Branch was the contractor for building Orr Memorial Hall, and at the dedication ceremony Mrs. Branch was chairman of the dinner serving 3,000 people.
Mrs. Branch loved entertaining friends, young and old, in her home as long as she was able. Both Mr. and Mrs. Branch wer civic minded and devoted much of their time and effort to helping in worthy projects of Pittsfield and the community.
KELLY BRANSON
, 89, of Pittsfield, died Thursday, October 6, 2005 at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield. Born December 5, 1915, near Nebo, IL, a son of Walter C. and Esther Hack Branson. He married Doris Boren in 1936 and she predeceased in 1969. He married Leona Boicourt Beemer on December 21, 1973 in Pittsfield and she survives. He was in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He was a jobber for Standard Oil Company in Pleasant Hill, a partner of Branson and Forgey L.P. Gas in Pleasant Hill, salesman for Moorman Feed Company and retired from Pike County Service Company. Kelly was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and served as adult men’s teacher in the Sunday School department for many years. He graduated from Nebo High School in 1935 and was a past member of Nebo American Legion. He enjoyed woodworking, clock making, story telling, avid quail and pheasant hunter and an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Chicago Bears fan.
Survivors: Wife, Leona Branson, one daughter Mrs. Don (Vicki) Peebles, Pleasant Hill, Illinois, four step-daughters, Mrs. Clifford (Bev) Wainman, Naperville, Illinois, Mrs, Ben (Barb) Carlyle, New Berlin, Illinois, Mrs. Dan (Marsha) Allen, Griggsville, Illinois, Mrs. Tim (Mary) Jeffries, Quincy, Illinois, three stepsons, Phil (Libby) Beemer, Pittsfield, Illinois, Bruce (Susie) Beemer), Houston, Texas, Wayne Beemer, Los Angeles, California, two grand-sons, Mike (Jenny) Peebles, Pleasant Hill, Illinois, Dan (Misty) Peebles, Pleasant Hill, Illinois. Also surviving are 14 step grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren Jalie, Grant and Jade Peebles and 5 step great grandchildren, and a brother, Lovell (Martha Ann) Branson, Tulsa Oklahoma and several Neices and nephews. Preceded by his first wife, Doris, 3 brothers, Bernard, Bliss and Kermit Branson, and 1 sister, Beatrice Guthrie. Funeral Services will be Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Pittsfield with Rev. Ben Early officiating. Burial will be at Crescent Heights Cemetery, Pleasant Hill, Illinois with military graveside rites by Pleasant Hill american Legion Post 1048. Friends may call at Calvary Baptist Church in Pittsfield Saturday, October 8th from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Memorials are to the Crescent Heights Cemetery, Pleasant Hill, Illinois, and Calvary Baptist Church, Pittsfield, Illinois.
LEONA (BOICOURT) BRANSON
, 82, of Pittsfield died Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008, at Methodist Sunset Home in Quincy.
She was born Jan. 21, 1926 in Martinsburg, Mo. to Alton Everett and Beulah Lee Deardorff Boicourt. She married Myron E. Beemer in 1948 in Jacksonville and he preceded June 3, 1971. Her second marriage to Kelly Branson was 1973 in Pittsfield and he preceded Oct. 6, 2005. She was an R.N. at Illini Community Hospital, Pittsfield Healthcare and Barry Community Care Center.
She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Pittsfield. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, baking, reading, gardening, enjoyed traveling and her family.
She is survived by three sons, Phil (Libby) Beemer, Pittsfield, Bruce (Susie) Beemer, Houston, Texas and Wayne Beemer, Los Angeles, Calif.; four daughters, Mrs. Clifford (Bev) Wainman, Naperville, Mrs. Tom (Barb) Carlyle, New Berlin, Mrs. Dan (Marsha) Allen, Griggsville and Mrs. Tim (Mary) Jeffries, Quincy; two brothers, Wayne (Iona) Boicourt and Adrian "Shortie" Boicourt; four sisters, Neva Wintrey, Ellenora Poindexter, Irene Baker and Eva Mae Alber; 15 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Preceded by her husbands, Myron E. Beemer and Kelly Branson; a daughter, Sharon; two brothers, Harold and Everett Boicourt; and sister, Aleta Meyer.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 1 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church in Pittsfield with Rev. Bill Herald officiating. Burial was at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Jacksonville. Friends may call at the Church Tuesday from 12:00 noon till time of service at 1 p.m. Memorials are to Methodist Sunset Home Haven Unit in Quincy, IL or the Alzheimer's Foundation. Condolences to the family may be e-mailed info@nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL is handling the arrangements for the family
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