Duncan, Robert W. 1920-2013, WWII Flying Ace

Robert DuncanRobert W. Duncan, age 92, lifelong resident of Marion, IL except for the time he served in the Navy, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2013, at his home.

He was born in Marion on Monday, December 20, 1920, the son of Absalom Wesley and Nellie Mae (Drake) Duncan. Continue reading

Fowler, August L. 1900-1997, Fowler and Novick

August Fowler 1918August L. “Gus” Fowler was born December 11, 1900, in Marion, to John Vancleve Fowler and Mary Charlotte Birkholz. He grew up in the family home located at 919 W. Cherry Street with one younger sister, three years his junior, named Cecile Fowler.

Gus was a graduate of the Marion Township High School and was vice president of his senior class in 1918, and the editor-in-chief of the first yearbook at Marion Township High School. In the same year that Gus graduated from high school, his 14 year old sister, Cecile, passed away. Continue reading

Boatright, Wilbern 1912-2002

Wilbern Boatright 1912-2002Wilbern Boatright was born on September 12, 1912, in Galatia, Saline County, to Mack Boatright (1872-1951) and Cora Jane Blackburn (1875-1945).

When the 1920 federal census was taken, Wilbern’s parental family was living in Brushy, Saline County, on a farm owned by his parents. His parents were then in their 40’s and his father was farming for a living. Wilbern was aged 7 and had four brothers living at home. Brother Roy was 19 and teaching public school, Lloyd was 17 and a farm laborer, Leman was 14, attending school, and Walter was 2. Continue reading