Remembering Departed Members of Anna-Jonesboro High School, Class of 1955

Harlan Q Coffman,1937 2019, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Harlan Q Coffman , age 81 of Jonesboro, died Monday, February 4, 2019 at the Union County Hospital in Anna. He was born July 3, 1937 in Jonesboro, the son of Francis and Zella (Hileman) Coffman. He married Carmen (Cross) on November 16, 1957 in Corinth, Mississippi. Harlan is survived by his loving wife Carmen Coffman of Jonesboro; son Mark Coffman of Reo Rancho, New Mexico; daughter Jennifer (Scott) Love of Amarillo, Texas; two grandchildren, Carmella and Calvin Love; brother Myrle (Stella) Coffman of Metamora; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, John, Tom, and Donald Coffman, Lavern and infant sister Reba Coffman. Harlan was a member of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro for many years and very active in the Anna Kiwanis. During high school he was an outstanding basketball player and he was awarded a scholarship to ENMU in Portals NM. While playing there he was part of two teams that went to the NAIA tournaments. He taught at the Jonesboro school for six years. He retired after working as an FBI agent for twenty three and a half years and later served as the Union County Sheriff after returning to Union County. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2019 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Pastor Mark Hasty Officiating. Interment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 7, 2019 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Memorial contributions may be made to the Anna Kiwanis. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Boyer Ken, 1937-2005, Army Veteran, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Ken J. Boyer, 67, of Jackson, Mo., formerly of Anna, died at 8:19 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, 2005, in Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born Sept. 20, 1937, in Anna, the son of Lawrence A. and Mae Pitts Boyer. He married Jo Wenger and remained married for 42 years and she survives. Ken was a graduate of Anna-Jonesboro High School and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He was president and chief operations officer of Work Force Investment Board of Southeast Missouri, and active in other civic affairs. Ken was also a member of First Baptist Church of Anna, and a veteran of the United States Army. He is survived by his wife, Jo; one son, Scott Andrew Boyer of Jackson, Mo.; one daughter, Stacey and husband, Larry George of Jonesboro; one brother, Lawrence J. Boyer of Anna; one sister, Virginia and husband, Ernest Boyd of Anna; three grandchildren, Kyle, Adriana, and Kaelyn; and other relatives and many friends. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005, in Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna, with Brother Joe Aldridge officiating. Interment will be in Casper Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements. Ken attended Anna Grade Schools and graduated with Anna Jonesboro Community High School class of 1955. He was very active in "C" Club, football 1, 2 , 3 operators' club2, 3 and Hi-Y 1

Anita Hileman George 1937-2008, A-J Class of 1955, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

DONGOLA - Aneta George, 71, died at 5:06 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, at her home. She was born Oct. 12, 1937, in Mill Creek to Elbert and Verneal (Jordan) Hileman. She married Carl George on April 2, 1955. He preceded her in death Sept. 8, 2006. She was a homemaker. She is survived by two sons, Larry (Karen) George of Churchill, Tenn. and Rick (Melanie) George of Dongola; four grandchildren, Cristy (Rodney) Miller of Ullin, Eric George of Churchill, Tenn., and Casy (Lee Ann) George and Dakota George, all of Dongola; four great-grandchildren, Jeffery and Linsey Miller and Clayton and Westin George; two sisters, Joann Clutts and Kay Whitney; two brothers, Frank Hileman and Elbert Lee Hileman; special extended family, Richard, Darla, Caily and Joi Flick of Greenville; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; one stepgrandchild, Danny Muskopf; two brothers, Bill and Larry Hileman; and two sisters, Betty June McCommons and Phyllis Reynolds. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, in Crain Funeral Home in Dongola, with Brent Miller officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Dongola. Memorials may be made to TIP Hospice or St. John's Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home. Aneta Hileman George graduate of the Anna Jonesboro Coumminty High School Class of 1955.

Bill" C.W. Hileman 1937-2010, A-J Class of 1955, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

C.W. "Bill" Hileman , Class of 1955, died in February of 2010 at his home in Douglasville, GA. C.W. "Bill" Hileman graduate of the Anna Jonesboro Coumminty High School Class of 1955 Bill was a graduate of the Anna Jonesboro Coumminty High School Class of 1955.

Judith "Judy" L. Lutz Watkins 1936-2007, A-J Class of 1955, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Anna - Judith "Judy" L. Watkins, 69, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior at 10:20 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007, in Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Judy was born to James R. and Margaret (McCarty) Lutz on Sept. 27, 1937. Raised in Anna, she graduated Anna-Jonesboro with the class of 1955. She married the love of her life, John H. Watkins, on Nov. 21, 1956.Together they traveled the country and even the globe for over 50 years, settling for a time in Granby, Conn., where they continue to have family and cherished friends. Judy was a devoted and nurturing mother, whose children always knew they were loved. She selflessly shared her love of learning with all of her children and grandchildren. Judy was an artist with the soul of poet. She had a deep abiding love of art, music and literature and admired virtuosity in anything. She loved to learn new things and try new artistic mediums. She was an avid woodworker, eventually becoming an expert wood turner. She loved to garden, draw, sketch, paint, knit and sew needle point.Her handmade gifts are cherished heirlooms among family and close friends. After many adventurous years, Judy and John retired to Anna, where Judy became active in First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Anna, where she had many dear friends. She was a passionate and voracious reader and became an elected member of the Friends of the Stinson Library and was recently elected to serve as President of the Friends. In addition to her husband, John, Judy is survived by her four children, David Watkins and his wife, Stephanie, of Granby, Conn., Susan Young and her partner, Jeffrey Price, of Shutesbury, Mass., Brian Watkins and his wife, Laurie, of Hartland, Conn. and Laura Watkins of Hamburg, N.J. In addition, she will missed by her six beloved grandchildren, Jeffrey and Christopher Young, Daniel and Jessica Watkins, Charles Griffin III and Emily Janssen. Judy is also survived by her brothers and their wives whom she loved so dearly, Michael and Edna of St. Anne, Mo., Jon and Joyce Lutz of Anna, Timothy and Joyce Henderson of Kentucky; and her younger brother Steven. She was predeceased by her brothers, Peter and Julian "JT." A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, in Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna, with the Rev. Dan Borgelt officiating. Interment will be in Ebenezer Hall Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, 2007, at the funeral home. Memorials to Judy may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Friends of Stinson Library. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. You are loved Judy, rest in the peace of Christ. Published in The Southern Illinoisan. Judy was a graduate of the Anna Jonesboro Coumminty High School Class of 1955.

Francis Kay Miller Hawkins 1937 2008, A-J Class of 1955, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Francis Kay Hawkins of Memphis Tenn., died on Friday March 21, 2008. Mrs. Hawkins was a member of Corner Stone Church in Bartlett, Tenn. Survivors include her husband Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt Maj Robert M Hawkins of Memphis, Tenn.; two daughters, Lisa {Paul} Hanson of Atlanta, Ga. And Kelley Ainsworth of Memphis, Tenn., a son Bobby, {Melanie} Hawkins of O’Fallon, Mo., two Stepdaughters, Cindy {Jim} Blackmore of Laguna Nigel, Calif.; 11 grandchildren, siblings Mary Jane Lasley of Phoenix, Ariz., Retired Air Force Col. Billy J. Miller of Anna and David Miller of Jonesboro, IL. Funeral Services were a 2 P.M. Monday March 24, at Family Funeral Care in Memphis, Tenn. Burial was in Memory Hill Garden. Memorials can be made to Baptist Memorial Hospital Center or to the American Cancer Society. Francis was a graduate of the Anna Jonesboro Coumminty High School Class of 1955.

Leon Merle O'Daniel 1937 2013, 1955 A-J Class, Veteran 20 Years Navy, Realtor and Business Man, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Mr. Leon Merle O'Daniel, age 76 of Anna, died at 6:30 a.m. Monday, March 25, 2013 in the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was born January 13, 1937 in Anna, the son of Merle Keith and Esther V. Kupfer O'Daniel. Leon is survived by his loving wife, Nancy J. O'Daniel of Anna; one son, Leon M. (Gina) O'Daniel Jr. of Renton, WA; one daughter, Melissa O'Daniel and fiancé, David L. Franklin II of Anna; five grandchildren, Meghan N. O'Daniel, Kaitlyn B. O'Daniel, Justin J. O'Daniel, Brandon M. O'Daniel and David Lee Franklin III; cousins, Janet L. (Kupfer) James, Esther M. (Kupfer) Penrod, Valda F. (Kupfer) Hart, Anna J. (Kupfer) Swan, and Earlene C. (Kupfer) Salander; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Sean M. O'Daniel. Leon graduated Anna-Jonesboro Community High School in 1955, and promptly left to serve his country in the United States Navy. Leon met the love of his life, Nancy Jeanne Campbell O'Daniel at General Electric in Syracuse, New York, while on a training assignment, and were married shortly thereafter on November 2, 1962. Leon led a long and distinguished 20 year career, serving on the USS Brooke during the Vietnam War, and receiving numerous awards and medals, including the Navy Commendation Medal. In 1976, Leon began his career in real estate, starting as a real estate agent for Cherry Hill Realty, and shortly thereafter opening his own real estate company, Leon O'Daniel Realtors. In the 1980s, Leon's company grew and became Century 21 Leon O'Daniel Realtors. Leon was very active in many community organizations during this time and you could regularly see him calling Bingo or at the barbeque for Knights of Columbus fundraisers. In 1998, Leon started a new chapter in his life, opening the O'Daniel Appraisal Company with his wife Nancy. Leon loved his family, playing with his grandkids, and rooting for his favorite sports teams. It was a rare occasion when you wouldn't find Leon in front of the TV cheering on the Boston Celtics or the San Diego Chargers. Funeral mass for Mr. Leon Merle O'Daniel was held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2013 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cobden with Father Uriel Salamanca officiating. Interment will be in the Anna Cemetery with graveside military honors conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna and the Illinois National Guard Funeral Honors Team of Marion. Friends may call after 10:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2013 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Bethany Village Pantry. Envelopes will be available at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. To view this obituary or leave an online condolence for the family visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com RENDLEMAN & HILEMAN FUNERAL HOME IN ANNA IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Gazette-Democrat Posted: Tuesday, March 26, 2013 5:34 pm | Updated: 10:54 am, Wed Apr 3, 2013.

Jim Sizemore 2004, 1955 A-J Class, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Jim Sizemore 1955 A-J Graduate died on May 25 2004 in Eddyville, Ky.

Roberta Thorne McMahan 1936 2013, 1955 A-J Class, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Mrs. Roberta Lee McMahan, age 76 of Anna, died at 9:33 am on Saturday June 8, 2013 at her home in Anna. Roberta was born on June 17, 1936 in Anna, the daughter of Ernest and Esther (Dillow) Thorne. She married Archie L. McMahan on June 21, 1955 in Sunnyland and for 57 years they were happily married. Roberta was a member of the First Christian Church of Anna. Roberta is survived by her husband, Archie; two sons, Stephen McMahan and John Douglas (DeNeille) McMahan, both of Anna; two grandchildren, Merritt McMahan and J.D. (Crystal Seyer) McMahan; one great-grandchild, Kayleigh Elizabeth McMahan; one sister, Patricia (Paul) Groves of Anna; one brother, Jerry (Sharon) Thorne of Anna; one aunt, Lorene Jenkins of Anna, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services for Mrs. Roberta Lee McMahan will be held on Tuesday June 11, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with Dee Armes and Chaplain Greg Bittle officiating. Interment will be in the Anna Cemetery. Friends may call at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home on Monday June 10 from 5 until 8:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Anna. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Note: Roberta graduated with the Anna-Jonesboro High School Class of 1955.

Donald F Tripp 1936 2012, A-J Class of 1955, Veteran, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Mr. Donald F. Tripp, age 75 of Anna, died at 6:13 p.m. Sunday, June 17, 2012 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale. He was born August 14, 1936 in Anna, the son of Ernest and Isabel Earnhart Tripp. He married Carlene Gregory on August 4, 1979 in Anna. Don is survived by his loving wife, Carlene Tripp of Anna; mother, Isabel Tripp of Anna; one daughter, Kelly (Fred) Wallace of Peoria; one son, Michael Tripp of Carbondale; three step children, Mark (Debbie) Puffer of Elgin, Julie Puffer of Anna and Dana (Bill) Betlinski of Davis, Illinois; twelve grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two sisters, Janet (Donnie) Verble of Jonesboro and Betty Lorton of South Bend, Indiana; three brothers, Tommy (Carolyn) Tripp of Anna, Jerry ( Jerry Lynn) Tripp of Royalton, and Garry (Darlene) Tripp of Houston, Texas; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father; one son, Greg Tripp; and his beloved golden retriever, Farley. Don was a member of the First Baptist Church in Anna for 60 years, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. He was a graduate of the AJCHS class of 1955. Don retired from Choate Mental Health & Development Center as an Assistant Engineer. Don owned and operated the A-J Bowl in Anna for many years. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Don was an avid duck hunter and fisherman and was a member of the Union County Bass Club. He was devoted to his family and his many friends. Funeral services for Mr. Donald F. Tripp will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Anna with Rev. Les Sinks officiating. Interment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna and the Marion Military Funeral Honors Team of Marion. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna and after 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Anna. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church in Anna or the Carmi Baptist Children's Home. Envelopes will be available at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna and at the Church. To view this obituary and leave a condolence for the family please visit, www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com RENDLEMAN & HILEMAN FUNERAL HOME IN ANNA IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS Published: The Gazette-Democrat Posted: Monday, June 18, 2012 3:58 pm | Updated: 4:00 pm, Mon Jun 18, 2012.

Linda Winn 1937-2013, A-J Class of 1955, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Mrs. Linda "Melinda" Winn, age 76 of Jonesboro, died at 10:21 a.m. Sunday, March 10, 2013 in the Carbondale Rehab Center in Carbondale. She was born March 6, 1937 in Mill Creek, the daughter of Earl and Thelma Arnold Winn. Linda is survived by her two daughters, Lori (Michael) Davidson of Jonesboro, and Melinda Greer; four grandchildren, including, Timmy Davidson; longtime friend, Jim Dillow of Anna; one brother, David (Glenda) Winn of Goreville; one sister, Kay Jordan of Tamms; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Linda was a member of the Mill Creek Baptist Church. Funeral services for Mrs. Linda "Melinda" Winn will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2013 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Rev. Joe Aldridge officiating. Interment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home. To view this obituary or leave an online condolence for the family visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com RENDLEMAN & HILEMAN FUNERAL HOME IN JONESBORO IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Gazette-Democrat Posted: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 9:50 am

Joe Henderson, A-J Class of 1955, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Joe Henderson deceased in St Louis area before 1993. No more information.

Home Page


Last Updated on 07/15/2019