Leslie Campbell Stilley, 97, went home to be with his Lord at 2 a.m. Monday, November 19, 2001 at Marion Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be at the First Baptist Church in Marion. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery.

Leslie Campbell Stilley was born on October 24, 1904 at the Stilley homestead east of Marion, the son of Monroe Stilley and Mary Emily “Mamie” Swafford. Leslie was united in marriage to Genevieve Atwood in West Frankfort on July 12, 1941. One daughter was born to this marriage in December 1943, Thelma Lynne Stilley.

Mr. Stilley lived his life with strength and dignity. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Marion for 60 years, where he took an active part, serving as an ordained Deacon, Chairman of Deacons for many years and holding offices on committees throughout the church.

He was a member of the Illinois Retired Teacher Association of Illinois, Illinois Association of Realtors, Williamson County Chamber of Commerce and was the recipient of the August L. Fowler Lifetime Achievement Award in January 1991.

He may possibly have been the only man in the country who graduated from high school four times. First, from Crab Orchard, a one year high school, the Pittsburg, a two year high school. After his second graduation, at the age of 18, he taught for two years at Wilson School, east of Marion, then returned to graduate from Crab Orchard again, which was now a three year high school. His fourth graduation was from Marion High School. He later received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from Southern Illinois University.

He served on the Marion City Council as city commissioner from 1947-1951 under Mayor Harry R. Rodd, the Marion Memorial Hospital Foundation and was a member of the building commission, during which time the plans were developed and construction was completed for the Marion Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Stilley taught for many years at Cross Roads, Union and Stiritz schools, Washington Junior High School in Johnston City and was principal at Lincoln School in Corinth and Essex Junior High School in Essex, Missouri. He also coached all sports during his tenure at these schools.

He was elected Superintendent of Williamson County Educational Service Region and served in that office from 1959 to 1967 and 1971 to 1975. He was a dedicated educator and has motivated hundreds of teachers to accomplish more.

He had the privilege of providing scholarships for many students so they were given the opportunity to meet their goals for a better life. During his terms in office, it was his dream to bring a Community College to Williamson County. In 1964, he was successful in organizing and the formation of what is now John A. Logan College.

In 1975, Stilley obtained his Real Estate License and operated Les Stilley Realty until his retirement in 1996 at the age of 92.

He was happiest when he was with his family and many wonderful friends.

He thoroughly enjoyed all the school children he met throughout the years.

He taught by his example. He loved to hunt, raise bird dogs, and tell stories about his life growing up on the farm. He never lost his love for it. At age 97, he had seen most of the twentieth century and into the twenty first. He had the privilege to observe the most remarkable advancements in our world’s history.

It is impossible to summarize the life of such a kind and unselfish man, but all those who knew him will be forever better for it. He was a true gentleman, a loving husband, a wonderful father, a compassionate friend, a generous benefactor of anyone Christian who lived a quiet, steady faith.

He will be greatly missed but his presence will always be felt by his family, a multitude of friends and past associates. He left this world a better place than when he found it. He is not dead, just transformed and so are we.

Mr. Stilley is survived by his wife, Genevieve Stilley of Marion; daughter and son in law, Thelma Lynne and Ron Christ of Plano, Texas; four grandchildren, Leslie Anne Peters and husband, David of McHenry, Lance Christ and wife, Marla of Memphis, Tenn., Ronald Lyn Christ of Memphis, Tenn. And Lanette Bowcutt and husband, Blayne of Plano, Texas.

Leslie was preceded in death by his parents; one sister Georgia Harris, three brothers, Roland, Curtis “Pete”, and Leon “Dude” Stilley; and one niece Anette Bowman.

Genevieve Atwood Stilley was born on March 4, 1908 in Carterville to Hubert Lafayette Atwood and Mima Hutchison. She married Leslie Stilley on July 12, 1941 in West Frankfort, Illinois. She taught in school systems for 34 years starting at the age of 19 in Ziegler. Genevieve passed away at the age of 94 in Marion on March 10, 2002, burial was in Maplewood Cemetery.

(Sources: Southern Illinoisan obituaries, compiled by Sam Lattuca on 7/19/2024)