John W. Lilly

John W. Lilly MARION-John W. Lilly, 68, of Marion passed away at 7:15 AM, Friday, August 21, 2009 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at Zion United Church of Christ in Marion with Reverend John Holst officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Monday, August 24, 2009 at the church. Blue Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Memorials may be made to Zion United Church of Christ Hope Lodge; envelopes will be available at the church or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. John was born August 14, 1941 in Pulaski, Illinois to Edward and Ora Pearl (Mackins) Lilly. He married Kathy Sparks on August 12, 2000 at Zion United Church of Christ in Marion; together they shared 9 years of marriage. Survivors include his wife, Kathy Lilly of Marion; his children, John Lilly, Jr. of Johnston City, Leatreasa Lilly-Madison and Husband Ricky of Carbondale, Deron Lilly of Carbondale, and their mother, Janet Lilly of Carbondale, Jake Davis of Marion, and Rachel Davis of Marion; his dog, Tessa; grandchildren, Marissa Porter Lilly, Andreako Lilly, Duran Lilly, Devonte Lilly, Leigha McIntosh, Johna Lilly and Ricky Madison; four great grandchildren; brothers, Cecil Edward Lilly and Marcus Lilly; and sisters, Edna Bradsfield, Callie M. Lilly, Rose Johnson, Gloria Lilly and Carol Lilly. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joseph O. Lilly and Napoleon Calvin Lilly; and sisters, Geraldine Lilly and Delois Marie Hill. John worked as a maintenance engineer for the Olin Corporation. He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ. He enjoyed working in his yard, taking care of his cars, and traveling, having recently visited Mt. Rushmore. He always made everyone smile and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.