Albert Clifton “Cliff” Storme was born In Marion on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 1919, the son of Samuel Elbert Storme and Lona (Reeves) Storme. His father, S.E. Storme, served as Williamson County Clerk from 1922-1930 and again from 1934-1953. Their family home was located at 1506 W. Main Street just across the street from the Marion Township High School.

He was united in marriage to Betty Ruth (Jones) Storme on Saturday, June 21, 1941, in Jackson, Missouri and together they shared over 71 years of marriage.

Cliff graduated from Marion High School in 1937 and from Southern Illinois Normal University with a B.S. degree in 1941. He was awarded a Teaching Certificate in 1941. He attended graduate studies at the University of Illinois while teaching school and earned his Master’s Degree in education in 1948.

Storme began his career in education teaching at the Pittsburg three-year high school in 1941 to 1942. He was also the basketball coach. He and wife, Betty, moved to Ridgway, in 1942  and 1943 where he taught social studies and coached basketball.

In April 1943, Cliff answered the call to serve his country and was inducted into the U.S. Army. Storme served from 1943 until January 1946. He was in the 791st A.A.A. (Anti-Aircraft Artillery) with service in Northern France and at one time was in charge of guarding prisoners in Cherbourg, France. He landed at Omaha Beach in August 1944 and spent 19 months overseas.

Storme returned to Marion in January 1946 and began teaching immediately at the beginning of the second semester at Marion Township High School. He was also assistant coach under basketball coach Virgil “Cuss” Wilson. Cliff also began a high school baseball program in the spring of 1946.

In 1948, Cliff worked in summer recreation programs during the summer months and was in the first group that began the Marion youth baseball teams in Little League, Pony League and Colt League during the early 1950s. He continued to work in recreation programs as well as teaching and coaching. Storme earned a Certificate as a Professional Recreation Administrator in 1958 from the Illinois Recreation Association.

He served as Recreation Director for the City Recreation Board from 1955 until he became principal of Marion High School in 1963. The Marion Park District, swim pool, youth center and additional ball fields were all developed during the time Storme served as Recreation Director.

A new high school building was opened in 1964, and Storme was the first principal. He continued as principal until he was named Superintendent of Community Unit 2 in 1963 upon the retirement of Orland Stanley.

Many improvements were made during this time, and a new emphasis was placed on vocational education and special education. All school buildings were brought into compliance with new state laws on health and life safety. Wilson Gym as well as a new football field and all-weather track were completed at the new high school.

Storme retired as superintendent in 1985 after about 42 years in education.

Storme, 94 of Marion, passed away peacefully at 10:49 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at home with his family by his side.

The Storme’s had two daughters; Vicki Cannady of Marion and Carol Tyner of Marion.

Four grandchildren, Tammy Holland of Murfreesboro, Tn., Tricia Bailey of Goreville, Michael Cannady of Grand Haven, Mi. and Marcia Cannady of St. Paul, Mn.

The couple also has seven great-grandchildren: Jamie Bailey, Dylan Bailey, Katelyn Bailey, Hallie Cannady, Paige Holland and twins, Ryan and Sarah Holland.

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(Data extracted from articles in the Southern Illinoisan and Marion Daily Republican; edited and compiled by Sam Lattuca on 06/28/2013)