Dewitt Obits

John E. Scott

John E. Scott, 96, of Bellflower and Fisher, died Thursday, January 3, 2019 at the Gibson City Annex.

 

John was born September 19, 1922 near Ellsworth, the second son of C. Emil and Maude Stinde Scott. He married his beloved wife, Mary Ellyn Sloan, on February 14, 1948. She died in May 2015. 

 

Surviving are two daughters, Marcia (Ralph) Turpin, Farmer City and Peggy Scott, Normal, and a son, John W. (Penny) Scott, Fisher; three grandchildren, Crystal (Ian) Martin, Rantoul; Jonathan (Jordan) Scott, Fisher, IL; and Tyler Scott, Paxton; and three great-grandchildren, Corley and Cowan Martin and Joanna Scott. Also, surviving is one sister, Joyce Beals, Beloit, WI and three sisters-in-law, Millie Scott and Nancy Scott, both of Bloomington and Lois Hedrick, Gibson City. Preceding him in death were four brothers, Charles, Ivan, George and Larry Scott, and two sisters, Betty Scott Woliung and Clarice Scott Miller as well as his parents.

 

Visitation will be Monday, January 7, 2019 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home in Farmer City with Masonic rites accorded at 7:45 P.M. Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, January 8, 2019 also at Calvert –Belangee Funeral Home with Pastor Jonathan Scott and Pastor Seth Schutte officiating. Burial will be at Willowbrook Cemetery in Fisher with military rites. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Fisher United Methodist Church, the Mahomet Masonic Lodge #220 Scholarship Fund or the Gibson City Annex Scholarship Fund for caregivers.

 

John and Mary Ellyn farmed near Bellflower from 1949 to 1986 before retiring in Fisher where he was active in the United Methodist Church, Lion’s Club and delivering Peace Meals. He was a 70+ year member of the Masons as well as a Past Master and lifetime member and past Commander of the Bellflower American Legion. John served in the Merchant Marines during World War II traveling through the Panama Canal, to South America and the west coast of the U.S., and crossing the Pacific to Enewetak in the Marshall Islands.

 

He enjoyed anything to do with farming, his family and traveling—having visited all fifty states. He never wanted to miss a family reunion or the chance to visit with extended family. John loved a good joke or story and enjoyed those who told them. He was a good neighbor who was willing to help at any time and was a role model of a good work ethic. He was a devoted chess player as long as his vision allowed, always looking for a game and teaching his children, son-in-law, grandsons and many ministers the basics of the game. He also had collections of chess sets and antiques.

 

John has said that his family was the highlight of his life. In recent years, he delighted in playing with his great-grandsons during their visits. The family would like to thank the Gibson City Annex for their care and becoming part of John’s extended family during his last years, and a special heartfelt blessing to Mick Kingsley of Elliot, for his faithful friendship and visits to John at the Annex. John will be deeply missed by family and friends.