Ralph Cantrell

Ralph Cantrell MARION–Ralph Cantrell, 91, of Marion passed away at 2:00 PM, Monday, May 11, 2009 at Fountain Nursing Home in Marion. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 14, 2009 at the Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Reverend Ivan Ryan officiating. There will be no visitation. Burial will be at Davis Prairie Cemetery, east of Marion. Memorials may be made to Arnoldview Free Will Baptist Church or Davis Prairie Cemetery; envelopes are available at the cemetery or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Mr. Cantrell was born in Williamson County, Illinois on June 30, 1917 to Simpson Milton and Josie (Howerton) Cantrell. He married Mabel Helen Burns on April 21, 1942; together they shared 49 years of marriage until her death on January 18, 1992. Survivors include son, Dudley Cantrell and his companion, Carol Murphy of Marion; son, Ralph Cantrell of Herrin; daughter, Barbara Cantrell of Marion; grandchildren, Diane, Amy and Chelsey; and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and three brothers, Ray Cantrell, Cecil Edwards and Jesse Edwards. Mr. Cantrell worked in construction and was a member of the Laborers Local #773 for over 50 years. He was a Christian. He loved farming, raising Angus Cattle, genealogy, taking Sunday rides and spending time with his family and friends.