Remembering Departed Members of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School, Class of 1956

Jack L Baker, 1938-2000, A-J 1956 Class, Owner of the Waterloo Dairy Queen, A-J 1969 Class, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Jack L. Baker, son of Rolla and Effie Lasley Baker, was born in Jonesboro on Aug. 11, 1938 and died Sunday, March 19, 2000, at the St. Clement Hospital in Red Bud at the age of 61. Mr. Baker married Betty Graham. He was the owner of the Waterloo Dairy Queen. Survivors include his wife, Betty of Waterloo; one daughter and son-in-law, Jama and Danny Wolf of Coulterville; one son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Kerry Baker of Waterloo; four grandchildren, Jacob, Benjamin and Nicholas Wolf and Madison Baker; one brother and sister-in-law, Rolla and Jo Baker of Cobden; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Doyle and Jean Graham of Anna; and two nephews, Keith Baker of Glen Carbon and Kent Baker of Virginia. Funeral services were Wednesday, March 22, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Hileman & Parr Funeral Services with Pastor Kyle Sandersfeld officiating. Interment was in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the city of Waterloo for the purchase of an automated external defibrillator. Hileman & Parr Funeral Services in Jonesboro was in charge of the arrangements. Note: Jack attended Anna Jonesboro Community Highand graduated with the Class of 56

Vernon Gene Claridy, 1937-2014, A-J 1956 Class, Veteran Army 82nd Airborne Division, Journeyman Lineman, A-J 1969 Class, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

ANNA -- Vernon Gene Claridy, 76, of West Frankfort, formerly of Anna, died at 7:06 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2014, in Franklin Hospital. He was born June 7, 1937, in Anna, to Elbert and Louise (Lazenby) Clardy. He married Dorotha Aldrich on Feb. 7, 1963, in Anna, and she survives. He was a Denning Township Trustee. was a proud member of IBEW Local 702 and worked as a journeyman lineman for 42 years and for CIPS for 35 years. Vernon served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division. He always put his family first. He was a wonderful grandfather who adored his grandkids with all his heart. Survivors include his wife, Dorotha Claridy of West Frankfort; daughter, Becky (Mark) Jelley of Zeigler; two brothers, Wayne (Jean) Lazenby of Burlington, Wis.; Elbert (Shirley) Clardy of Anna; sister, Sheila (Jim) Whittington of Anna; sister-in-law, Eleanor Clardy of Anna; four grandchildren, Justin Swinkunas, Nicholas Swinkunas and fiancée, Amelia Phemister, Abbey and Gabe Jelley and one great-grandchild, Kaden. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cindy Claridy; twin sister, Berma Dean Pender and brother, James Clardy. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 28, in Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort, with Pastor Karl Barnfield officiating. Interment will be in Denning Cemetery on the Orient Road. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the funeral home Online condolences of sympathy may be made at www.unionfh.com. Gene graduated with the class of 1957 but also was in the class of 1956 most of his school years and wanted to be listed with the class of 1956.

Mike Corzine 1939-2018, A-J 1956 Class, Teacher, Assistant Superentendent, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Mike Corzine died September 17, 2005. He was born October 2, 1938 at Anna, Illinois, son of Don and Reva M. Cavitt Corzine. He and Shirley Yeckley were married August 6, 1986 at Las Vegas, Nevada. He retired from Egyptain Unit School District No. 5 after serving 35 years as teacher, and assistant Superentendent. He was amember of the Elks Lodge 1641 and served on the Union County Sheriff Merit Board. Survivors incluinclude his wife of Anna, a son, Jeff Corzine of Clermont, Florida, a daughter, Michelle Baggott of Anna, a stepson Steve Ramsey of Jonesboro, Illinois, a sister Marilyn Rodman of Anna, four grandchildren, three Stepgrandchildren, a great-stepgrandchild. Friends may call at Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna from 6-8 p.m. Monday. Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of the arrangements. Funeral will be at 11 am. Tuesday with Rev. Paul Sadler officiating. Burial will be in Jonesboro Cemetery. Mike attended Anna Jonesboro Community High and graduated with the Class of 1956.

"Georgie" Anne Croft BLACKWARD 1938-2010, A-J 1956 Class. Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

"Georgia" Anne Croft Blackward passed away on April 18, 2010 in Moore, Oklahoma at the age of 72. She was born on January 4, 1938 to Anne Marie and George Croft in Alexander County, Illinois. Anne attended Tamms Grade School, later moving to Anna, IL where she attended Anna Jr. High and Anna-Jonesboro High School, graduating with A-J's class of 1956. Following graduation, Anne attended Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Herman Blackward; children Liz Melton and husband Dan; Jeff Blackward and wife, Cherri; Nathan Blackward and wife Stacie; and grandchildren Jeremiah, Mary, Catherine, Jessica, Marshall and Rance. Funeral services were held at Regency Park Baptist Church in Moore, OK. Burial was in Rest Haven Cemetery in Moore, Ok. Memorials may be made to 20/20 Vision c/o Regency Baptist Church."

Shirley Dillow Jobe 1938 2001, A-J 1956 Class, Teacher Dongola, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Mrs. Shirley Dillow Jobe, 63, of Cobden, died at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Dec 12, 2001, at home. She was born on April 11, 1938 near Cobden, the daughter of Adolphus and Catherine Tripp Dillow. She married Gene Earl Jobe on July 21, 1960 in Herrin. She is survived by her husband, Gene E. Jobe of Cobden; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. She was a member of the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church of Cobden. She was a retired elementary education teacher and taught in the school system in Elgin, Springfield and Dongola She retired in 1994. She was a member of the Illinois Teachers Association. Funeral service was at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Lutz & Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna with the Rev. Doug Bridgeman officiating. Interment was in the Anna Cemetery. Lutz & Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna was in charge of arrangement. Published: December 20, 2001 in The Gazette-Democrat. Shirley graduated from Anna-Jonesboro Community High School with the Class of 1956.

PHYLLIS 'JOAN' FEAR MULKEY, 1938-2015, A-J 1956 Class, Cosmetology Instructor and Director at Shawnee Community College, Real Estate Salesman,
Information furnished by sister Joyce Fear Bell 1960 A-J Classmate.


PHYLLIS 'JOAN' FEAR MULKEY was a graduate of AJCHS Class of 1956. Her Name is pronounced "JoAnn". Mrs. Joan (Goines, Hileman) Mulkey, age 77 of Cape Girardeau, died at 8:46 a.m., Sunday, March 8, 2015 at home. She was born February 21, 1938 in Anna, the daughter of Lester Paul and Velma Gladys (Barker) Fear. She married Herbert S. Mulkey on March 24, 1999. He preceded her in death on March 7, 2011. Joan is survived by three children, LaDonna Clymore, Phillip P. (Beth) Goines, and Tommy E. (Michelle) Goines; four grandchildren, Kim (Chris) Gibson, Heather Goines (Shawn) Evans, Valerie (Andy) Rhymer, and Michael (Madison) Goines; five great-grandchildren, Taylor, Preston and Ethan Rhymer, Payton Strobel and Anniston Evans; one step-daughter, Ann Mulkey (David) Farley; two step-grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Tom) Stearns and Kirsten Farley; one step great-grandchild, Caleb; one sister, Joyce (Dale) Bell; one niece, Debbi Dale (Scotty) Ford; one nephew, Scott (Erica) Dale; one great nephew, Scotty Joe Ford; one great niece, Sabrina Woolsey; two aunts, Violet Brimm and Nina Merriman; her beloved dog, Scooter; other relatives and many friends. During her career, Joan was a cosmetology instructor and director at Shawnee Community College, Real Estate Salesman, and Illinois Certified General Real Estate Appraiser. She was co-owner of CREA Appraisals in Jonesboro before retiring and moving to Cape Girardeau in 1999. Joan also owned and operated Hair Graphics in Vienna and Jonesboro Illinois. Funeral services for Mrs. Joan Mulkey will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with Rev. Robert Goins officiating. Friends may call after 10:00 a.m. and until the service hour at 11:30 a.m. in the Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna. Interment will be in the Cypress Masonic Cemetery. Please keep Joan's family in your thoughts and prayers. Information furnished by sister Joyce Fear Bell 1960 A-J Classmate.

Gary Flower 1937 2013, A-J 1956 Class, Army Veteran, Retired California Highway Patrolman, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

JONESBORO - Gary Fowler, 75, formerly of Jonesboro, passed away Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, at his residence in San Luis Obispo, Calif. He was the son of the late Vesta (Fowler) Hamilton of Jonesboro. Gary was born in Jonesboro. For the first eight years, he lived with his grandparents and was raised along with his aunt, Shirley Kohler, who was a year older. They were raised as brother and sister, developing strong family ties that remained throughout their lives, although they lived some 2,000 miles apart. He graduated from Anna-Jonesboro High School in 1956 and then moved to the Los Angeles area to attend college. Gary lived in San Luis Obispo for most of his adult life, but he never forgot his roots. He remained in close telephone contact even when he could no longer travel to Jonesboro. He kept up with Anna-Jonesboro events through his Aunt Shirley, while also receiving the Anna-Jonesboro newspaper and remaining in contact with a few classmates. It was that constant flow of hometown news and information that fed his interest in the youth of Anna-Jonesboro. Gary made it a habit to support local students. For many years, Gary received a list of students who were focused on being good students and succeeding in life. Gary would send monetary contributions to recognize their efforts and stimulate continued dedication to their studies by providing some encouragement and advice by letter. These contributions were often made in amounts totaling hundreds of dollars per student. Some of those recipients remained in contact with Gary even while attending college, pleasing Gary immensely. In addition, Gary, as a retired California Highway Patrolman, knew the consequences all too well of alcohol-related incidents, so he took it upon himself to not only contribute to the Safe and Sober Anna-Jonesboro High School graduation events, but he solicited family, friends and old high school classmates to help make the events successful. While Gary was known for his philanthropic efforts, he and his white 1962 Plymouth Belvedere were probably better known as local downtown fixtures in San Luis Obispo. He attended regularly and spoke often at San Luis Obispo City Council meetings and on local radio shows, and he never shied away from an opportunity to express his opinion through letters to the editor of the local paper, The Los Angeles Times or The Washington Post. Gary began a career of public service by driving an ambulance in southern California, while attending El Camino Junior College in 1957 and 1958. His law enforcement career began with a short stint with the Los Angeles County sheriff's office as a reserve deputy sheriff. He then signed on for a career with the California National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel be-fore he retired in 1992.But, Gary's true calling was to be a California Highway Patrolman. He graduated from the Highway Patrol Academy in Sacramento in 1966. He worked in a variety of locations during his 32-year career, including San Francisco and West Los Angeles, before moving in 1968 to San Luis Obispo, where he served for 30 years, retiring in 1998 at age 60. In retirement, he remained involved. He volunteered to help coordinate California Highway Patrol efforts in recovering registration fees owed by Californians for using local highways with vehicles registered out-of-state. The commissioner of the California Highway Patrol recognized Gary for recovering millions of dollars in unpaid fees. In 1969, Gary pledged the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity while attending Cal Poly. He remained active over the years after graduating with a degree in social science by spearheading alumni efforts to provide support and guidance to the chapter's undergraduates. Gary also ran for local San Luis Obispo magistrate, San Luis Obispo County sheriff and San Luis Obispo City Council. He leaves behind his half brother, Bruce E. Hamilton; two nieces and a nephew; his favorite aunt, Shirley Kohler (Eugene) of Anna; along with many cousins. Gary's enerous heart, sense of humor and friendship will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life in Gary's honor will be from noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 29, in Madonna Inn Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, in San Luis Obispo. Those attending are asked to bring "Gary stories." For details and to RSVP, email Garyscelebration@aol.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Anna-Jonesboro Safe and Sober Graduation fund.

Nancy Jo Keller Kendrick 1939-2013, A-J 1956 Class. Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

ANNA - Nancy Jo Kendrick, 74, died at 1:30 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2013, in Hillview Healthcare Center in Vienna. Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro, with the Rev. Doug Bridgeman officiating. Burial will be at Anna Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Hillview Healthcare Center. Nancy graduated from Anna-Jonesboro Community High School with the Class of 1956.

Donna M Mosby, 1938-2012, A-J 1956 Class, Beauty Salon Owner, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Ms. Donna M. Mosby, age 73 of Jonesboro died at 8:41pm Tuesday January 10, 2012 at her home. She was born September 17, 1938 in Alexander County, the daughter of Orris Sr. and Blanche Meisenheimer Mosby. Donna is survived by one brother, Orris Mosby of Jonesboro, two nephews, Bruce (Cindy) Mosby of Jonesboro, Mark Mosby of Jonesboro; two great nephews, Brandon Mosby of Huntsville, Alabama, Matt Chumbler of Carbondale; one great niece, Katie Mosby of Jonesboro; one sister in law, Joan Mowery of Jonesboro; numerous cousins, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Donna was a graduate of Anna Jonesboro High School class of 1956. She was a beauty operator for 48 years. She owned and operated Donna's Beauty Salon in Carbondale for over 40 years. She moved back to the family farm just outside of Jonesboro in 2006 after her mother Blanche, passed away. Her hobbies include knitting, crocheting, visiting with friends and family and eating out. Funeral services for Ms. Donna M. Mosby will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2012 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Bill Littrell officiating. Interment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Friends may call after 12:00 noon and until the funeral hour at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2012 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kornthal Church. Envelopes will be available at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro. TO VIEW THIS OBITUARY AND LEAVE AN ONLINE CONDOLENCE, VISIT; WWW.RENDLEMANHILEMANFH.COM RENDLEMAN & HILEMAN FUNERAL HOME IN JONESBORO IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS Published: The Gazette-Democrat Friday, January 13, 2012 10:52 AM CST

Carolyn Neibaur Fassler, 1938-2011, A-J 1956 Class, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Carolyn N. Fassler age 72 of Anna died at 1:21 p.m. Saturday, January 8, 2011an in St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO. She was born October 27, 1938 in Cairo, the daughter of Frank A. and Maude (Nelson) Neibaur. She married Thomas Fassler October 21, 1961 in Anna. Carolyn is survived by her husband, Thomas of Anna; three daughters, Elizabeth Fassler of Calvert City, KY, Catherine Fassler of Calvert City, KY and Mary Jimenez of Anna; three grandsons, Thomas, Nicholas and Anthony Jimenez. Carolyn was a member of Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church in Anna. She was a member of Anna Eastern Star Chapter 522 for over 50 years. She was retired from Choate Mental Health & Developmental Center. Funeral services for Carolyn N. Fassler will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church in Anna with Pastor Kathy Montira officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery near Buncombe. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Eastern Star Services will be conducted at 7 p.m. by Eastern Star Chapter 522 of Anna. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church. Memorial envelopes will be available at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. RENDLEMAN & HILEMAN FUNERAL HOME IN ANNA IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Published: Monday, January 10, 2011 8:14 AM CST

Nancy Ray, A-J 1956 Class. Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Nancy Ray died after 2000. She attended Davie Grade School, Anna Junior and Anna Jonesboro Community High. Nancy graduated with the Class of 1956.

Paz Rendleman, A-J 1956 Class. Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Paz Rendleman pasted away in about 2014.

John R. "Butch" Sneddon, 1936-1988, A-J 1956 Class. Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

BIRTH 6 Aug 1936 DEATH 21 May 1988 (aged 51) BURIAL Mount Hebron Cemetery

John Sneddon died May 21, 1988. John R. Sneddon, son of John M. and Helen E. Barker Sneddon was born in Union County, Illinois. He is survived by his parents and two brothers, Bob Barker of Bartlett and Donald Sneddon of Anna, and one sister Joyce Brown of Dongola. He attended Lincoln Grade School, Anna Junior and Anna Jonesboro Community High School. John graduated with the Class of 1956. John burial Mount Hebron Cemetery, Union County, Illinois.

Willie Ann Parker, A-J 1956 Class. Information furnished Louise Dillow Pitts A-J class of 1953.

Mrs. Willie Ann Parker, age 76 of Augusta, Georgia and formerly of Union County, died at 4:30 am, Friday August 2, 2013 in Augusta, GA. She was born on July 9, 1937 in Jonesboro, the daughter of Oliver and Agnes (Arnold) Smiddy. Willie was united in marriage to Jobe C. "J.C." Parker on February 9, 1957 in Mill Creek. She was a member of the Pine View Baptist Church. Willie is survived by her husband J.C. of Augusta; two daughters, Suzan (Richard) Harvel of Augusta and Lisa (Gary) Lott of Ward, SC; two sons, Timothy (Mary) Parker and Peter (Kim) Parker, both of Augusta; nine grandchildren, Nikki Harvel, Allison Harvel, Skyler Lott, Kenneth Stewart, Jennifer, Heather, Kristy, Hunter and Ivan Parker; two great-grandchildren, Olivia and Lilia Stewart; one sister, Tomi Meiron of Rapid City, SD; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Nora Mae Smithey. Funeral services for Mrs. Willie Ann Parker will be conducted at 11:00 am, Tuesday August 6, 2013 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with the Rev. Joe Aldridge officiating. Burial will be in the St. John's Cemetery near Dongola. Friends may call at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro on Monday August 5, from 5:00 until 8:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Gideon Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Note: Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends. Willie Ann Smiddy Parker was in the high school class of 1956. She grew up in Mill Creek where I did, so I knew her and her family, , Louise Dillow Pitts A-J class of 1953.

George Weaver 1939-1993, A-J 1956 Class. Information furnished Louise Dillow Pitts A-J class of 1953.

George T. Weaver, son of Charles B. and Ruby Geraldine Coomes Weaver, was born in Jonesboro on March 11, 1939, and died Sunday November 14, 1993, at the University of Tennessee Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee, at the age of 54. Mr. Weaver married Marita Hogue in Jonesboro on September 3, 1960. He was a 1956 graduate of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School. Mr. Weaver was active in FFA and continued his active in Union County 4-H until age 21; his projects were mostly Hereford cattle and his beetle collection. Mr. Weaver completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in zoology at Southern Illinois University in 1960. He begin his career as a science teacher at Dongola High School from 1960 to 1964. He taught biology and science at Anna-Jonesboro Community High School from 1964 to 1967. He moved to Knoxville, Tennessee in 1967 and completed his Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Tennessee in 1970. He participated on the staff and served as chairman of SIU at Carbondale Department of Forestry, during his tenure from 1970 to 1986. Mr. Weaver completed a Fulbright Fellowship in Goettingen, West Germany, during the 1980-81 academic year. At the time of his death, Mr. Weaver was serving as head of the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee. where he had been since 1986. Mr. Weaver was an active member of many organizations, including the Society of American Foresters, participating in both national and international forestry activities, and the American Tree Farmers Association of Southeastern Biologists. His hobbies and interest including restoring and showing John Deere antique tractors. He was a member and officer in the East Tennessee Two Cylinder Club; a founding member of the Smokey Mountains Antique Tractor and Engine Club, all in Knox and Blount counties of East, Tennessee. He enjoyed hiking in the Great Smokey Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Another interesting being pursued was establishing an HO scale layout of the Illinois Central and Gulf, Mobile and Ohio lines in Southern Illinois. Survivors include his wife, Marita of Louisville; three sons, Bradley A. Weaver of Louisville, Douglas S. Weaver and wife, Debra of Memphis, Tennessee. and Eric Wayne Weaver and wife, Melissa of Charlotte, N.C.; and two grandchildren, Jared and Jayme of Memphis. Funeral services were Friday, November 19, at 10a.m at Norris and Son Funeral Home with the Rev, Nancy Carrington Schmidt officiating. Interment was in the St. John's Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, Union County 4-H and the American Heart Association. Norris and Son Funeral Home in Jonesboro were in charge of the arrangements.

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Last Updated on 07/15/2019