Eldon Alexander Bangs Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Eldon A. Bangs, age 87, of Johnston City, IL and formerly of Marion, went to be with the Lord and his loving wife, Wanda, peacefully at 2:05 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2013, at his home with his daughter, Patricia holding his hand. He was born on Thursday, April 1, 1926, in Montello, WI the son of James and Bessie (Webb) Bangs. Eldon answered the call of the nation by serving in the United States Army during WW II and after his period of faithful service was honorably discharged. He was united in marriage to Wanda Mae Followell on Friday, May 30, 1958, in Christopher, IL and together they shared nearly thirty-two years of marriage until her death on Sunday, January 14, 1990. Early in his working career he worked for the Norge Corporation of Herrin, IL. He later began working for Marion Memorial Hospital of Marion, IL in the custodial and maintenance department for nearly thirty years until his retirement in 1982. He was of the Baptist faith. He also was a member of Addus HealthCare and enjoyed attending their many gatherings and events. In his spare time he enjoyed watching wrestling and was a fan of Chuck Norris and enjoyed watching any movie or show with him in it. He also enjoyed following St. Louis Cardinal Baseball. He is survived by two sons and one daughter-in-law, Luther and Robin Bangs and Lawrence Bangs all of Marion, IL; three daughters, Linda Mays and fiancé, Jimmy Walker of Herrin, IL, Sandra Crain of Herrin, IL, Patricia Bangs of Johnston City, IL; twelve grandchildren, Rindi Reeves and husband, Robby and Tyson Bangs and wife, Jenny all of Marion, IL, Kassey McDonald of Tunnel Hill, IL; Wanda Bangs, Beth Mays, Adam Mays, Rachel Crain, Sarah Crain, William Crain and Star Crain all of Herrin, IL and Brianna Bangs and Shianna Richardson both of Johnston City, IL; four great grandchildren, Mia Bangs, Kamden Walker, Joshua Mays and Journey Bangs; special friends, Gayla Peavey of West Frankfort, IL and Scott White of Murphysboro, IL, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; sister, June Zarbrook and two brothers, Bud and George Zarbrook. Arrangements for Eldon A. Bangs were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. The time of visitation for family and friends was on Friday, April 26, 2013, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. During the visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of Eldon’s life was presented to the family and friends. Following the time of visitation the funeral service was at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Jimmy Russell presiding. A special poem was read by Eldon’s daughter, Linda about her Papa. The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist, Gayla Russell. Special vocal musical selections presented during the service were “What a Day That Will Be” by David Bloodworth who accompanied himself on the guitar and “Amazing Grace” by Gayla Russell with David Bloodworth accompanying on the guitar. Interment followed next to the love of his life; wife, Wanda in Oakwood Cemetery of Carterville, IL. Pallbearers were Tyson Bangs, Robby Reeves, Donald Durham, Dale Cain, Michele Collins and Justin Mitchell. Military honors were accorded at the graveside by members of Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301, American Legion Post No. 147 and Illinois National Guard Flag Detail all of Marion, IL. Those participating were Commander, Larry Largent; Chaplain, Dan Fruge; Bugler, Jim Grieme; Officer of the Day, Pat Campbell; National Colors, Ron Ganzer; Color Guard, Bill Rice and Firing Squad, Don Burgrabe, Ralph DeVasier, Bill Hampsey, Bill Hatfield, Fred Read, Bill Reynolds and George Trammell. Members of the Illinois National Guard Flag Detail participating were SPC Lukens and PFC Noland. Presentation of the folded flag to Eldon’s son, Luther was by SPC Lukens. After the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at the Hurricane Creek Baptist Church in Herrin for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home” (To help with final expenses). Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959. For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.

Eldon Alexander Bangs

April 1, 1926 - April 22, 2013