Remembering Departed Members of Anna-Jonesboro High School, Class of 1964

James H "Jim" Blair 1946 2017, 1964 A-J Classmate, Teacher Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

James H. "Jim" Blair, 70, of Woodlawn, and formerly of Union County, died at 9:17 p.m. on June 21, 2017, at his residence. He was born on Nov. 21, 1946, in Anna, Illinois. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Connie K. (Harre) Blair of Woodlawn; a brother, Kenneth William Blair and wife, Jeannine, of Centralia; siblings-in-law Geri Harre of Yorba Linda, Calif., Lois Obermeier and husband, Leonard, of Okawville, Don Harre and wife, Gerry, of Okawville, Ruth Harre of Okawville, and Betty Hasheider and husband, Norbert, of Okawville; nephews and nieces, W. Wylie Blair and wife, Kristy, of St. Louis, Lisha Altair of Wasilla, Alaska, Julia Harre of Portland, Maine, Jane Harre of Rohnert Park, Calif., Bryan Harre and wife, Karla, of Oxnard, Calif., Deb Harre of Newport Beach, Calif., Nancy Peterson and husband, Brian, of Barrington, Jill Hobart of Barrington, Jeff Obermeier and wife, Laura, of Okawville, Pam Wienstroer and husband, Keith, of Okawville, Jason Obermeier and wife, Dana, of Okawville, Scott Harre and wife, Kelly, of Bartelso, Stacy Bartling and husband, Nathan, of Nashville, Nathan Harre and wife, Jessica, of Chicago, Greg Harre and wife, Tara, of Okawville, Dannon Harre and wife, Jill, of Okawville, Kristen Miller and husband, Dan, of Collinsville, Nicole Heberer and husband, Justin, of Okawville, Michelle Burianek and husband, Jason, of Okawville, Matt Hasheider and wife, Crystal, of Nashville, Kelly Schumacher and husband, Tim, of Aviston, and Kate Glynn and husband, Joe, of Aviston; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Wylie and Alice Adelia "DeeDee" (Lamer) Blair; his father-and mother-in-law, Henry and Verdell Harre; brothers-in-law Ken Harre and Duane Harre; and great-nephews Brenden Bartling and Brody Miller. He taught English at Mount Vernon Township High School for 35 years. He enjoyed reading and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. A private graveside service was held at the Anna Cemetery on Monday, June 26, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Timothy P. Mueller of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Covington, officiating. Memorials can be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association-Greater Saint Louis Chapter, to Pets Are Worth Saving, PAWS, in Anna or to the donor's choice. Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon was in charge of arrangements.

Larry Chamness 1946-2004, 1964 A-J Classmate, Veteran Marines Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Larry Chamness, 58, of Anna, passed away Friday, Oct. 1, 2004, in the Union County Hospital, as a result of an accident. He was born October 1, 1946, in Anna, the son of Frank and Eva (Kinder) Chamness. Larry was a retired iron worker. He was a life member of the Anna Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3455 and a member of the First Baptist Church in Anna. He enjoyed fishing; hunting, gardening and watching his nephews play football. He served in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam era. He is survived by three brothers and one sister-in-law, Fred and Norma Chamness of Davenport, Fla., and Robert 'Bob' Chamness and Frank 'Doc' Chamness, both of Anna; his special friends, Linda Williams and son Donnie Hileman and Gwen Kelley and son Braxton; four nephews and their spouses, Mike and Theresa Chamness of St. Cloud, Fla., Tony and Emily Chamness of Memphis, Tenn. and Tommy and Cindy Chamness and Matt and Traci Chamness, all of Anna; four nieces and their spouses, Beverly and Rick Tweedy and Debbie and Robin Dillon, all of Anna, Alice and David Ury of Jonesboro, and Cathy and Steve Stearns of Anna; many great-nieces and -nephews; one great-great-niece; and many other friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one nephew, Mark Chamness; one great-niece, Nikki; and one sister-in-law, Pat Chamness. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, in the chapel of Hileman Funeral Home, with the Rev. Tim Sadler officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Casper Cemetery, with military rites by the Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 Anna VFW. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Larry attended Lincoln Grade School and Anna Jonesboro Community High and graduated in 1964

Richard Day 1946 2014, 1964 A-J Classmate, Marine Veteran Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

ANNA -- Richard Day, 67, passed away at 2:38 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born Aug. 2, 1946, in Anna, the son of James F. "Bud" and Betty Jane Bartruff Day. He married Brenda Burge on Oct. 22, 1966, in Anna. Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years, Brenda Day of Anna; daughter, Jamia (Chris) Pace of Christiana, Tennessee; son, Justin Day and partner, Steve Huey of Eldorado; mother-in-law, Helen Sponsler of Anna; brother, David (Colette) Day of Carol Stream; sister, Jane (Marc) Stover of Chaddsford, Pennsylvania; brother-in-law, Scotty (Vicki) Burge of Cobden; several close cousins; nieces and nephews; other relatives; and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Richard proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine. Once he returned, he started working for the U.S. Postal Service and retired as Anna postmaster after 38 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Anna for many years and a life member of Carroll P. Foster Post 3455 of the VFW in Anna. He also served on the school board for District 37 for 25 years. Most recently, Richard finished his master's degree in clinical professional counseling and worked the last five years at Union County Counseling Services in Anna. Richard was an avid runner, hiker and cyclist. He loved the mountains and beach, which he visited several times a year with his wife. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, in Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with the Rev. Les Sinks officiating. Interment will be in Anna City Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by Carroll P. Foster Post 3455 of the VFW in Anna. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church in Anna or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.


PictureRobert Thomas Coleman 1998, 1964 A-J Classmate
Assistant United States Attorney

Robert T. "Tom" Coleman, an assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, died in Washington, D.C., Monday, January 12, 1998. He was 51. Mr. Coleman was appointed an assistant United States attorney in the Criminal Division for the Southern District of Illinois by U.S. Attorney General William French Smith in 1982. In 1994, he became senior litigation counsel. He also served as the district's international and national security officer. Mr. Coleman was commended by the director of the FBI and the director of the Illinois State Police for his involvement in the investigation and prosecution of, what were at the time, the largest marijuana conspiracy case ever brought in the United States. That case resulted in over 150 convictions and forfeiture judgments in excess of $100 million. As a result of his efforts, he received the International Narcotics Law Enforcement Award of Honor which was presented to him in Miami, Florida, in 1990. Mr. Coleman received the city of Cairo's Award of Honor for his involvement and prosecution of numerous federal drug cases that arose out of the federal housing units in Cairo, Illinois. He served as the coordinator of the Carbondale-Murphysboro Violent Crime Initiative for the past three years. During his career he handled a wife variety of federal positions. Before joining the U.S. Attorney office, he was the first assistant state's attorney for Williamson County from 1978 to 1982. Prior to that appointment, he was in the private practice of law in Anna and Carbondale.He was a member of the American Bar Association, the Illinois Bar Association and the St. Clair County Bar Association. He was an elder of the Presbyterian Church and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Centralia. Tom Coleman was born on October 3, 1946, in Carbondale, the son of Robert A. and Mary Hinkle Coleman. He attended both elementary and high school in Anna graduating with the class of 1964, before going to college. He received his undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science degree, from the University of Alabama in 1968. He graduated from the University Of Kansas School Of Law with a Juris Doctorate degree in 1971. He is survived by his mother, Mary Coleman of Anna; his sister, Melinda Mancini of Howell , Michishcon; uncle and aunt Bon and Ferry Hartline of Anna; cousins Pat Hartline of Walnut Creek; California; Mary Alice Johnson of Anna, Martha Coleman of St. Louis; and his companion, Karen Davidson of Centralia. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 17, at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Anna. Pastor Ed Evans will officiate. Burial will be in Jonesboro Cemetery. Visitation will be fro, 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, January 16, at Hileman & Parr Funeral Services in Jonesboro. Mr. Coleman will lie in state from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour Saturday. Hileman & Parr Funeral Services in Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. Memorial can be made to the American Heart Association.


Otis R. Hamel 1946 2015, A-J Classmate, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Mr. Otis R. Hamel, age 68 of Jonesboro, died at 1:04 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2015 at his home in Jonesboro. He was born February 24, 1946 in Marion, the son of John Logan and Lena Farthing Hamel.He married Genevia Thomason in 1964 in Jonesboro. Otis is survived by his loving wife Genevia Hamel of Jonesboro, four children, Terry (Robin) Hamel of Jonesboro, Melanie Hamel of Jonesboro, Diane (Keith) Franklin of St. Mary, Missouri, Vickie (Matt) Sadler of Jonesboro; thirteen grandchildren, Kimberly, Seth and Kyleigh Hamel, Nikki Hughes, Cindy (Mike) Outlan, Michelle Hamel- Baker (Johnathon Harp), Mary (Brandon) Hughes, Logan, Danny, Amber and Malenzie Franklin, Matthew (Misty) Sadler, Jacob (Chelsea) Sadler; fourteen great grandchildren; one sister, Mattie Treece of Winchester, IL; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard Hamel and Jimmy Ray Hamel; one sister, Frances Bettors; and nine half-brothers and sister. Otis was a member of the Union County Coon Hunting Club. He was a foreman for Heartland Harvest, an auto mechanic and repaired lawn mowers for many years. Memorial services for Mr. Otis R. Hamel will be at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2015 in the Apostolic Faith Tabernacle in Jonesboro with Rev. Mark Goins officiating. Interment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call from 2 to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2015 in the Apostolic Faith Tabernacle in Jonesboro. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Envelopes will be available in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home and at the church.


Norman Douglass Harvell 1946 2016, 1964 A-J Classmate, Army Veteran, Iron Worker, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

JONESBORO - Norman Douglas Harvell, 69, died Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, at his home. He was born May 3, 1946, in Delta, the son of Thomas Noble and Pearl Jane (Bridges) Harvell. Norman is survived by his mother, Pearl Jane Harvell of Anna; daughter, Shannon Palmier of Anna; son, Bryan Harvell of Jonesboro; one grandchild, Caleb Harvell; brothers and sisters, Dale (Dorothy) Harvell of Jonesboro, Wilma Hoyle of Anna, Melvin (Clara) Harvell of Jonesboro, and Kim (Curt) Gutersloh of Carbondale; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father. Norman proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He worked many years as an ironworker and was a member of the Ironworker Local 782 of Paducah. Norman loved spending time with his family, especially his grandson, Caleb. He loved to cook and would host Sunday dinners for his family. He enjoyed fishing and practical jokes. Memorial services for Mr. Norman Douglas Harvell will be at a later date. Interment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family for an educational fund for Norman's grandson, Caleb. To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. Norman attended Trip Grade School and Anna-Jonesboro Community HIgh School graduating in 1964.


Joyce Ann Barnhart 1946 2016, 1964 A-J Classmate, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Joyce Ann "Vines" Barnhart, 1963/64 AJCHS student, departure will be missed. Joyce Ann Barnhart, 69, of Jonesboro, died at 10:20 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born on Aug. 6, 1946, in Cairo, the daughter of Lloyd and Edna Landis Vines. She married Barney Barnhart on June 5, 1965. She retired from Shawnee Development Council with over 14 years experience. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending it with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include her husband, Barney Barnhart of Jonesboro; a daughter, Tammy Jean Barnhart of Olive Branch; a son , Daniel Scott Barnhart of Jonesboro; grandsons James Ryan Hansil and Jeremi Poe, both of Jonesboro, and Zachary Scott Barnhart of Herrin; five great-granddaughters; a sister, Virginia Adams of Jonesboro; brothers Donald (Bonnie) Vines of Cobden, J.R. Lloyd Jr. (Cindy) Vines of Lick Creek and Jim (Shirley) Vines of Anna; a sister-in-law, Jennie (Jack) Bridgeman of Anna; a brother-in-law, Bill (Sara) Barnhart of Marshall; many nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Linda Hopp; a niece, Lisa Adams; a nephew, Bryan Hopp; and an infant sister, Jean Marie Vines.Funeral services were at noon Tuesday, Jan. 26, at Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro, with Bob Richardson officiating. Interment was private at Ebenezer Hall Cemetery. To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com. Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.

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Last Updated on 07/15/2019