Obituaries
Death of Glenn Warren Painter Sr.
Glenn Warren Painter Sr., 97 of Litchfield, passed away at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at 5:50 p.m. He was born on September 28, 1924, on the family farm near Barnett a son of Franklin Benjamin “Peck” and Ethel Grace (Saxby) Painter.
Mr. Painter went on to receive his GED diploma and was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps. attaining the rank of Staff Sargent. He was a Top Turret Gunner and served in the campaigns in Naples and Foggia, Roma and Arno Italy, Apennine Mountains of Southern France. Mr. Painter flew over 32 combat missions over enemy lines in B29 bomber planes and was shot down over the Mediterranean Sea. He received the following decorations and citations: the French Distinguished Unit Citation; the Air Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster, the distinguished unit badge with one oak leaf cluster, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with four bronze stars.
Mr. Painter was well known in local political circles. He served as Democrat Precinct Committeeman for Precinct #2 for South Litchfield Township. He was a member of the Montgomery County Board for 32 years serving South Litchfield Township District #5 and was a member of Donnellson Lodge #255 A.F.&A.M. of Donnellson. Mr. Painter was known for putting out large gardens and shared his bounty with friends and those in need. Mr. Painter enjoyed his social time visiting with folks at area coffee shops and restaurants.
He farmed along with working for the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. Mr. Painter attended Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. His first marriage was to Frances Mae Stockman on Feb. 19, 1949, and they later divorced. On Jan. 31, 1975, he married Cleta Irene Wiseman and she preceded him in death on Aug. 9, 2010.
Mr. Painter is survived by his children, Glenn Painter Jr. of Auburn, Anna Marie (Larry) Watkins of Ozark, MO, Pauline (Danny) Freytag of Benld, Jane (Joe Ragsdale) Painter of St. Louis, MO, Kathleen Painter of Raymond, and Paul (Shanel Rhodes) Painter of Litchfield; his grandchildren, Stephanie (Jason) Griffith, William (Michelle) Ellinger, Dustin (Dee) Ellinger, Douglas (Kelli) Ellinger, Landon Painter, all of Litchfield, and Erika Painter of Stonington; his great-grandchildren, Dylan Boerckel, Kacie Boerckel, Shawnee Boerckel, Dominic Ellinger, Melody Ellinger, Alec Ellinger, Jayden Ellinger, Jayse Ellinger, Dalton Ellinger, Faith Ellinger, Elysse Ellinger, all of Litchfield, and Braden Ebert of Stonington; his great-great-grandson, Brody Boerckel of Litchfield; numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, including special sister-in-law, Irene Painter of Litchfield; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Mr. Painter was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert, Roscoe, Frank, Paul, Billy, Richard, Maynard, and John; and his sister, Marie Edwards.
Funeral services for Mr. Painter will be held on Fri., Feb. 25, 2022 beginning at 12 noon at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield with Rev. Cynthia Munker, pastor of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Honey Bend. Visitation will be on Fri., Feb. 25 from 10:00 am until service time at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorials be directed to Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, Litchfield Food Pantry or Meals on Wheels.
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Dustin Carl Hickey, 40 of Staunton, died at St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MO on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 3:33 pm. He was born on April 6, 1984, in Litchfield to Patrick H. Hickey and Linda S. (Deck) Bellm.
He was an auto body repairman.
He is survived by his grandmother, Betty Deck; father, Patrick Hickey; mother, Linda Deck Bellm; sons, Calen Reiffer and Hudson Smith; and brothers, Ross Bellm and Carl Bellm.
Dustin was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Carl Deck and Jack Hickey, and grandmother, Eleanor Massey.
Visitation will be on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Trinity Baptist Church, Gillespie from 4:00 to 6:00 pm with a memorial service to follow at the church at 6:00 pm. Memorials are suggested to wishes of the family.
Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Mark McGhee, 38 of Mt. Olive, passed away on September 16 at his home. He was the son of Marcia and Curt McGhee.
He was a graduate of Ranken Tech and the owner of McGhee Heating & Cooling for the last 15 years. He was the best friend of a hot house in summer and cold house in winter. He was a brilliant problem solver. The best days of his life were spent spending time with his sons and close friend, Robert France.
He is survived by his fiancé, Chelsea File and two sons, Owen and Hudson McGhee of Mt. Olive; son, Zack Fox, and his mother, Kristen Fox, of Troy; father and stepmother, Curt and Connie; brother and stepsister, Chris and Crystal McGhee of Monroe, LA; and loving pet, Scooter.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Methodist Church of Mt. Olive from 9:00 am until 10:00 am with a memorial service following at the church at 10:00 am. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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Orville E. Smith, 89 of Carlinville, passed away Tuesday morning, September 17, 2024, at Hillsboro Rehabilitation and Health Care in Hillsboro. Orville was born on December 16, 1934, in Carlinville a son of Leonard and Helen Parnell Smith.
He married Shirley Ann Little on June 13, 1954, in Carlinville. Orville was a welder at Laclede Steel in Alton for 35 years retiring in 1981. He was also an active member in the local union. In his spare time, you could find Orville either playing his guitar around the house or working on gas engines and lawnmowers in his garage which he really enjoyed.
Orville is survived by his son, Randy Smith of Virden; son, Curtis Smith of Carlinville; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Orville was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley Ann Smith; brother, Frankie Smith; and sister, Mary Dingus.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Prairie Lawn Cemetery. He will be laid to rest next to his wife, Shirley. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
