John Q. Halteman, 96, of Gillespie, died surrounded by family in his home on Friday, February 26, 2021. He was born on December 13, 1924, in Walls, Oklahoma, to John and Esther Halteman. He married Norma Slightom on April 7, 1944, in St. Louis, MO.
In 1943, John joined the Army and served in World War II until he returned home in 1946. After welcoming their 7 children, the couple owned and operated two businesses in Gillespie including the Western Auto Store from which they retired in 1986. John and Norma enjoyed golfing together and mastering the local courses near their home including Terry Park in Palmyra where John hit a hole-in-one.
In 2010, he and his daughter, Carol, flew to Washington, D.C. on the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. John enjoyed books and films set in the Old West and World War II and owned an impressive collection of Louis L’Amour novels. He was an active and dedicated member of the Gillespie Masonic Lodge No. 214 with over 75 years of service to the Lodge.
He is survived by his children, Carol (Dave) Matheson of Springfield, Bob (Janice) Halteman of The Villages, FL, Perry (Kim) Halteman of Mt. Olive, Rita (Les) Kingery of Ward, AR, Nate (Vicki) Halteman of Carlinville, and Mary Ann (Ron) Drennan of Springfield. John’s legacy lives on in his 17 grandchildren and nearly 60 great and great-great-grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Norma; his parents; son, John Q Halteman; granddaughter, Jennifer Rebecca Davis; and brothers, Carl, Hugh, and Tom.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and in honor of John’s love for dogs, the family requests donations to Adopt A Pet, PO BOX 53, Benld, IL 62009. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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