John L. Doss

August 29, 1934 - May 22, 2015

John L. Doss, age 80, of rural Marion, IL, passed away suddenly at 10:09 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2015, at Heartland Regional Medical Center of Marion, IL. He was born on Wednesday, August 29, 1934, at home located southeast of Crab Orchard, IL in Williamson County, the son of Furnan J. and Ethel A. (Beasley) Doss. John was united in marriage to Geraldine Vinson on Saturday, March 23, 1957, in Creal Springs, IL and together they have shared the last 58 years of marriage. Shortly after his marriage he answered the call of this nation in May of 1957, by serving in the United States Army being stationed in Germany the majority of his time. After his period of faithful service he was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist 4th Class. Most of his working career was with E.T. Simonds Construction Company of Carbondale, IL as a lowboy truck driver hauling heavy equipment. After working for 38 years he decided to retire at the end of 1996. He was a current and charter member of Walnut Hill Freewill Baptist Church, located south of Crab Orchard, IL. John loved his church and was actively involved, always arriving early before services making sure all was well. He also had served as deacon and trustee of the church for many years and was always willing to serve where needed. In the past he served on the Free Will Baptist Home Missions Board of Directors and the Coal Valley Water Board of Directors. He was a current member of Teamsters Local No. 1347 for the last 59 years and a member of the Williamson County Farm Bureau. John was a proud member of the Republican Party and served as a Williamson County Republican Precinct Committeeman for many years and always enjoyed discussing politics with anyone he would meet. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting and fishing when he was younger, spending time outside on his farm and tending to his livestock. He also enjoyed camping, attending farm auctions buying tractors and was able to take apart, repair and then put back together any kind of tractor. He was the type of person that never met a stranger and enjoyed talking to anyone. John was known for his generous heart and willingness to help others when he saw a need. Though he was always busy a very important part of his life was his family. He always was interested in all of their many activities especially those of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Doss of rural Marion, IL; two daughters and sons-in-law, Pamala L. and Terry Watts and Patricia A. and Todd Barnett all of Crab Orchard, IL; two sons and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey A. Doss and his fiancé Kathy Hearn of Creal Springs, IL and Joseph K. and Rosemary Doss of Marion, IL; eight grandchildren, Jonathan Watts and his wife Jenny of Crab Orchard, IL, Brandi Stanley of Mt. Vernon, IL, Ryan Watts and his wife Lindsay of Crab Orchard, IL, Jaela Doss and her fiancé Tyler Bowles of Herrin, IL, Jaci Doss of Marion, IL, Elizabeth McNeill and her fiancé Jason Miller of Herrin, IL, Lexy Brown and her husband, Colton of Crab Orchard, IL and Destiny Barnett of Crab Orchard, IL; ten great grandchildren, Braden Watts, Briley Watts, Brody Watts, Zane Stanley, Ella Stanley, Carter Watts, Fisher Watts, Rilee Bowles, Jobe Miller and Josie Miller; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Dola and Robert Mausey of Creal Springs, IL, Karen and Larry Jones of Marion, IL and Janet and Kenny Orr of Creal Springs, IL; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne and Hazel Doss of Creal Springs, Il and Furnan, Jr. and Colene Doss of Crab Orchard, IL; two sisters-in-law, Pauline Donelson of Creal Springs, IL and Francis Miller and her husband Mel of Ozark, IL, a host of nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dan and Ethel Vinson; grandson-in-law, Grant Stanley; sister-in-law, Geneva Pike and her husband Bill and brother-in-law, John Donelson. Arrangements for John L. Doss were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. The time of the visitation for family and friends was from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26th at the funeral home. Visitation resumed again at Walnut Hill Freewill Baptist Church, located at 10716 Saraville Road south of Crab Orchard, IL on Wednesday May 27, 2015, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of John’s life was presented to the family and friends. Following the time of visitation the funeral service was at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Keith Owens and Rev. Jerry Schell presiding. The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist, Rev. Jerry Schell. The eulogy was presented by grandson, Jonathan Watts. There also was a “Time of Sharing of Memories” with many in attendance sharing special memories of Mr. Doss. Special vocal musical selections presented during the service were “Beulah Land” by Rev. Jerry Schell with recorded accompaniment, “In the Arms of Jesus” by Lindsay Watts being accompanied by Pamala Watts on the piano, “In My Robe of White” and “Old Ship of Zion” both by Joseph Doss being accompanied by Pamala Watts on the piano and Rev. Jerry Schell on the organ, “Amazing Grace” by Lindsay Watts being accompanied by Pamala Watts on the piano and Rev. Jerry Schell on the organ. The service conclude with Lindsay Watts singing “Go Rest High on That Mountain” with recorded accompaniment. Interment followed next to his parents in Ferrell Cemetery, located south of Crab Orchard, IL in Williamson County. Honorary pallbearers were great grandsons Braden Watts and Jobe Miller. Active pallbearers were Jonathan Watts, Jason Miller, Ryan Watts, Colten McCree, Mark Doss, Rick Doss and Colton Brown. Military honors were accorded at the graveside by members of Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301, American Legion Post No. 147 both of Marion, IL and the Illinois Army National Guard Funeral Honors Burial Detail. Those participating were Commander, Larry Largent; Chaplain, Ron Ganzer; Officer of the Day, Pat Campbell; Bugler, Jim Grieme; Color Guard, Bill Rice and Jessie James; National Colors, Ernie Rinella; VFW Colors, Jeff Hoffard; American Legion Colors, Bob Casey and Firing Squad, Don Burgrabe, Ralph DeVasier, Bill Hampsey, Bill Hatfield, Fred Read, Bill Reynolds and Jerry Swisher. Members of the Illinois Army National Guard Funeral Honors Burial Detail participating were Specialist William Ott and Specialist Justin Scheffler. Presentation of the flag to John’s wife, Geraldine was by Specialist Justin Scheffler. Following the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at Arnold View Free Will Baptist Church for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.