Robert 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
August 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
Wilbern 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
Wesley Dean Deaton was born July 24, 1937, to Clyde and Velma (Edwards) Deaton. He was a life-long resident of Marion.
He graduated from Marion High School in 1955. He spent three years in the United States Navy as a radioman, stationed at Kamiseya, Japan and graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Master’s Degree in Science and Education and a 6 year Specialist Certificate. Continue reading
Bobby D. “Bob” Boyt was born April 2, 1939 in Marion to Jack Boyt and Amy Haesker Barnett. He married Emily Sue Bishop on September 19, 1998.
Bob graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in accounting.
He worked for GTE for 25 years. He was a priesthood member of the Community of Christ Church for 35 years and a member of the Marion Rotary Club and Paradise Alley Players. Continue reading