John Will Calhoun III's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - John Will Calhoun III, age 73 of Charleston, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, August 7, 2014 while at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. Visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, August 10, 2014 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at the funeral chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2014 with Reverend Brent Budd officiating. Burial, with Military Rites conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, will follow at Bethel Cemetery in rural Mattoon. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the family. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. John was born on May 5, 1941 in Charleston, the son of John Will Jr. and Laura Alma (Walden) Calhoun. On August 19, 1961 he married Fern Marie Hensley at Marshall Avenue Christian Church in Mattoon, IL. Along with his wife, survivors include two sons, John Phillip (Shirley) of Kansas, Robert Neil of Charleston and one daughter, Sherri Renee Foote (Gordon) of Roxboro, NC; granddaughters, Trista Renee Clore (John) of Kansas, Ashley Ann Helton (Andrew) of Charleston, Stephanie Nicole Miller (Devin) of Tuscola, Kristen Laura Liebesman of Roxboro, NC, and Taylor Marie Foote of Roxboro, NC; great grandchildren, John Thomas Clore III of Kansas, Tyler Shane Helton of Charleston, Madison Renee Liebesman of Roxboro, NC, Allyson Grace Clore of Kansas, and Jett Allen Miller of Tuscola; two brothers, Steve Calhoun (Nita) of Charleston and Greg Calhoun (Marla) of Mattoon; and lifetime friends, Terry Wagoner and Norman Godden. John was preceded in death by his parents and step-father, Lawrence Closson. John was a veteran and honorably served in the United States Army. He was formerly employed as the Chief of Police in Arcola, Deputy Sheriff of Douglas County, and Football Equipment Manager at Eastern Illinois University. He also served as the announcer at the Charleston Speedway for many years.For John, family came first. He enjoyed every minute he could spend with his family and his loyal companion, Duchess. He found great pleasure in woodworking, especially when he made projects for those he loved. He enjoyed being outside; spending time in the garden, helping Fern with the flowers, or working in the garage. He was an avid NASCAR fan, and watching football and the History Channel were other favorite pastimes. Friendly and lovable, John never met a stranger and will be missed by many.Click to view John's memorial video.
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