James Larry Rennels' Obituary
EDWARDS, IL - On Sunday, June 12, 2016, God took James Larry Rennels home at the age of 71. Larry was from Edwards, IL and formerly of rural Greenup, IL. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, 2016 at the funeral chapel. Burial with Military Honors conducted by the combined Honor Guards of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and Charleston American Legion Post 93 will follow in Bell Cemetery in Cumberland County, IL. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Kyler and Brayden Rennels Education Fund or to the American Cancer Society in memory of his sister-in-law, Nancy. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or services, or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. James was born in Mattoon, IL on August 1, 1944, one of three children born to the late James Marion and Lena (Lawyer) Rennels. Those remaining to cherish his memory are his brother, Gerald M. "Jerry" Rennels of Charleston; a sister, Rogene Craig and husband Dave of Quincy, IL; 2 nephews, Darrell (Holly) Rennels of Charleston and Chad Craig of Quincy; a niece, Andrea Rennels of Manchester, MO; and his great niece and nephew who were his pride and joy, Kyler and Brayden Rennels. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Nancy Rennels. James, also known as Larry to many, was a 1963 graduate of Cumberland High School and proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He lived and worked in the Peoria, IL area for nearly 50 years. He began employment with the Peoria Tractor Company and 15 years later took a position with Caterpillar Proving Ground in Peoria where he spent the next 35 years as a maintenance mechanic. Larry grew up attending church at the Clear Creek Separate Baptist Church in Cumberland County. He was a member of Operator Engineers Local 649 and UAW Local 974 as well as the Peoria Skeet and Trap Club. The great outdoors was his playground and he loved activities including yard work, gardening, hunting and cooking on the grill. The Rennels family farm in Cumberland County remained near and dear to his heart and he always looked forward to spending time there. Larry dearly loved his family and they will treasure their many fond memories of special times shared.Click here to Larry's memorial video. SERVICES Visitation Saturday, June 18, 2016 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920 Celebration of Life Sunday, June 19, 2016 2:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920
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