Mr. Mack Lannom

Carbondale- Mack T. Lannom, 89, of Carbondale, passed away at his home after a short illness Saturday morning, November 2, 2013. Mack was born July 27, 1924 in New Virginia, IL to William J. and Pauline (Gamblin) Lannom, he was raised by his grandfather- Mack “Pop” Gamblin. Mack worked 29 years as a pressman at the Southern Illinoisan, then a Maintenance Foreman for attorney John Lannon in Carbondale for over 20 years and then for AMAX Coal at the Delta Mine in Crab Orchard and later at the Leahy Mine in Campbell Hill.  He served as a Volunteer Firefighter for the Carbondale Fire Department. Mack loved his family and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and even a trip to Europe when he was 75. He enjoyed looking at and working on old cars and could generally name the make/year of a car just by looking at a fender. He enjoyed his motorcycles, Harley being the bike of choice.  He was a member of the Egyptian Antique Car Club and Coal Belt Fire Protection of Southern Illinois. He was also a member of American Legion Post 127 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a former member of the Moose Lodge in Murphysboro and the Carbondale Elks. Mack was involved in Parents Without Partners, Saddle Club and horses while his children were young, and always cars. He had too many activities and interests to name. Survivors include- His partner for over 25 years- Shirley Sauerhage of Carbondale Son- William “Billy” Lannom and wife Clara of Caseyville, Daughter- Jean Fuller and husband Michael of Long View, TX Daughter- Cindy Carter of Oshkosh, WI Daughter- Dayna Dechent and husband David of Beverly Hills, MI Son- Philip Lannom and wife Brenda of Alto Pass Fourteen Grandchildren, Seventeen Great Grandchildren, One Great Great Grandchild Sister- Phyllis Morris of Wood River, IL Numerous nieces and nephews and cousins He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter- Sue Irwin, son- Joe Lannom and two sisters- Delores Link and Betty McIntosh and two brothers- Paul and Gene Lannom. The children and grandchildren of Shirley were like his own: Sindy Jones of Murphysboro, Sherman "Bubby" Sauerhage of Murphysboro, Stacy Sauerhage of Royalton, Sondra "Dede" Sauerhage of Murphysboro, 11 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion. Burial will follow at FountainCemetery, south of Marion. Military rites will be performed at graveside by the VFW and American Legion Posts with assistance from the Illinois National Guard.  Visitation will be from 6-9:00 PM, Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home/ 1704 N. Court/ Marion, IL 62959.