French Keene Shurtz's Obituary
French Keene Shurtz, age 94, of Pinckneyville and a resident of Sparta for many years, passed away on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at 6:25 p.m. in Pinckneyville Hospital Skilled Care Unit. French was born on January 8, 1913 in Tamaroa, a son to Clarence and Minnie L. (Crane) Shurtz. In 1934, he married Wilma Hawkins and she preceded him in death in 1997. He later married Dorothy Brown and she survives. French retired as a foreman from Illinois Power Company in 1977 after over 30 years of service. He was of the Southern Baptist faith, formerly a member of Beaucoup Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, and a member of IBEW. He was an avid fisherman, tied fishing nets, enjoyed furniture caning, and loved the outdoors and family gatherings. Survivors include his wife: Dorothy Brown, two daughters: Pamela and husband Garland Wright of Albuquerque, NM, and Kay and husband Carl Jones of Pinckneyville, IL, a sister: Pauline Giacomo of Herrin, IL, six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, two children: Donald "Duke" Shurtz, and Marilyn Bird, one grandchild: Brad Bird, and one brother: Hubert D. Shurtz. Funeral services will be held in Pyatt-Harrawood Funeral Home, Pinckneyville on Saturday, July 7, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. with Brother Rob Mathis officiating and beginning with Masonic services. Interment will be in Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville. Friends may call at Pyatt-Harrawood Funeral Home, Pinckneyville on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children.
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