John A Sheley's Obituary
John A. Sheley, age 87, of Pinckneyville, IL passed away on Saturday May 10, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. at Pinckneyville Community Hospital, Pinckneyville, IL. John was born on August 22, 1920 in Murphysboro, IL, the son of Lawrence (L.B.) and Florence Ashman Sheley. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force where he trained as a pilot flying B-25s during World War II. He married Patricia A. Reel on June 17, 1950 at St. Bruno Catholic Church in Pinckneyville, IL and she survives. After serving his country for 7 years, John worked for his father at the Pinckneyville Democrat until he purchased the paper in 1954, becoming the editor. In 1980 he sold the paper but remained on as editor until his retirement in 1995 at the age of 75. John was a past member of the Chamber of Commerce and was also instrumental in organizing a clothing drive for Vietnamese civilians. John was presented the "Golden em" Award and inducted into the Journalism Hall of Fame by the School of Journalism at SIU. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, his pets and his eating out with friends. Survivors include his wife, two sons: John Sheley Jr. of Pinckneyville, IL and Steve (Maria) Sheley of Orlando FL, one daughter Beth Sheley, (Dave Hughes) of Alexandria, VA, one granddaughter Cara Almada of Vernon, CT and his trusted dog and companion a Maltese named Misty. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Matt, Bernard and Larry Sheley and three sisters: Ellenita Hebert, Evelyn Shriver and Harriet Saline who passed away as a young child. Memorial services will be held on Thursday May 15, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, IL with Father Brian Barker officiating. Interment will be at St. Bruno Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the Pyatt Funeral Home on Wednesday May 14, 2008 from 5:00p.m until 9:00p.m.and again on Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. The rosary will be recited at the Pyatt Funeral Home Thursday at 9:00 a.m.. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Bruno School Endowment Fund or the Perry County Humane Society.
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