CARROLLTON -- Bobbie L. Brannan, 70, died at 10 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born Dec. 29, 1931, in Eldred, the first of two children of Charles and Julia Brannan of Eldred.

He excelled in football, basketball and track at Carrollton High School and in basketball and track at Eldred High School. He was champion in the 100-, 220- and 440-yard dash in the Greene County and Illinois Valley Conference meets in 1948 and 1949. He qualified and competed at the state track meet in the 440-yard dash as a high school senior in the one-class system. After graduation in 1949 from Carrollton High School, he attended Illinois State University on a full football and track scholarship.

In 1950, with the outbreak of the Korean War, he enlisted in the Navy, serving for four years overseas.

During 1951, he was a starter at split end and cornerback on the Bremerton, Wash., naval team that won the Pacific Coast armed forces championship.

He worked at Shell Oil Refinery in Wood River from 1955 to 1990, finishing there as an industrial hygienist after several years in the safety department. He was a lifetime member of the Wood River VFW and the Eldred American Legion.

He married the former Clara Carmody on March 2, 1957, in Carrollton. She survives. The couple has two children and their spouses, Dan and Victoria Brannan of Alton and Sharon and Gary Brightfield of St. Louis. Dan Brannan is the executive editor of The Telegraph.

Other survivors include six grandchildren, Mary, Megan, Sarah and Michael Brightfield of Maryland Heights, Mo., and Savannah and Sierra Brannan of Alton; and a brother, Jim Brannan, and sister-in-law, Jean Brannan, of Denison, Texas.

His parents preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until time of funeral services at 3 p.m. Thursday at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton.

Burial will follow at Dayton Cemetery in Eldred, with full military rites provided by the Eldred American Legion.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

The Telegraph - Alton, IL., Saturday, October 26, 2002

ELDRED - Opal Brannan, 94, died Thursday afternoon, Oct. 24, 2002, at her home.

She was born Sept. 25, 1908, in Woodville Township to James and Josephine (Logan) Shaw.

She married Kenneth A. Brannan May 26, 1927, in Carrollton. He died Jan. 1, 1961.

A member of the Eldred Baptist Church, she was a past member of the Greene County Home Extension and the Eldred Past Time Club.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Max and Betty Brannan of Eldred; a daughter and son-in-law, Frances and Cliff Gangwish of Gibbon, Neb.; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, James T. Brannan; two sisters, Frances Ursch and Evelyn Eagleton; and two brothers, George Shaw and Joseph Logan.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Eldred Baptist Church, where services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday.

Burial will follow at the Dayton Cemetery, south of Eldred.

Memorials may be given to the Eldred Baptist Church.

Airsman-Hires Funeral Home of Carrollton is in charge of arrangements.

Greene Prairie Press, Carrollton, IL., Wednesday, JULY 23, 2003

Dorothy E Day, 91, of Eldred died Saturday July 19, 2003 at 4:55 a.m. at Reisch Memorial Nursing Home in Carrollton.

She was born Dec. 18, 1911 in Eldred to the late Ernest and Bessie Hermans Flatt. She was a resident of Greene Co. all her life. She married Theodore Day in Granite City on Sept. 17, 1932. He preceded her in death October 28, 1971.

Dorothy was a member of the Eldred Baptist Church where she was a Sunday School teacher for many years. She was elected Bluffdale Township Trustee and served in that capacity for 28 years.

Dorothy is survived by four nieces: Alma Schaaf of Fieldon, Lilly Honey of Kane, Mildred Galore of Nutwood, Betty Robinson of Carrollton and a nephew, James Flatt of Michigan and a special great-niece, Helen Leanard of Springfield.

She was preceded in death by two brothers: Paul and Raymond Flatt, an infant sister, Clara, and a niece, Florence Halemeyer.

Dorothy was a talented artist and enjoyed many crafts over the years. Visitation and services were Monday at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton. Following the 3:30 p.m. funeral service burial was in Dayton Cemetery south of Eldred.

Memorial donations may be made to the Eldred Baptist Church, Reisch Memorial Nursing Home, or Dayton Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.airsmanhires.com.

Gazette-Patriot, Carrollton, Ill., Thursday, August 28, 2003

Mrs. Ora A. Flamm, 74, of Eldred died Wednesday evening, Aug. 20, 2003, at Boyd Memorial Hospital in Carrollton.

She was born Sept. 6, 1928, in Eldred, the daughter of Arnold and Eva (Wiser) Schofield. She married Bill Flamm March 20, 1975, in Carrollton, and he survives.

Surviving in addition to her husband are three daughters, Eva Conwell of Flanagan, Carol Bennett of Picayune, Miss., and Jackie Laird of California; a son, Robert Nolan of Picayune, Miss.; five stepchildren, Scott Flamm, Nancy Ramsey, Pamela Kernan, Mary Cook and Susan Syoke, all of Highland; six sisters, Shirley Ruyle of Carrollton, Margaret McKinnon of Hamburg, Mildred Settles of White Hall, Judy Breuchard of Greenville, Peggy Chapman of Nilwood, Pauline Ruyle of North Carolina; two brothers, Ron Schofield of Carrollton and Dale Schofield of Artisa, Calif.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were a son, Pete Nolan; two daughters, Kim Ruyle and Julia Brown; a stepson, Michael Flamm; and a brother, Frank Schofield.

Mrs. Flamm was a member of the Eldred American Legion Auxiliary Post 1135. She and her husband operated the B&O Lounge and later the Country Kitchen. She cared for several people in their homes.

Visitation was from 9 a.m. Monday at Dayton Cemetery, south of Eldred, until graveside service time at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Jon Lobos officiating.

Memorials may be made to the funeral home. Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton was in charge of arrangements.

Gazette-Patriot, Carrollton, Ill., Thursday, February 7, 2002

Former Greene County resident Mrs. Lucille Fern Hinderhan, 85, of Jacksonville died Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, at Prairie Village Health Care Center in Jacksonville.

She was born Aug. 15, 1916, in East Alton, the daughter of Gabe and Frances (Baldwin) Jones. She married Jesse Scott in 1934, in East Alton. He was the father of her children and preceded her in death in 1953. She later married Edward Hinderhan, and he also preceded her in death.

She is survived by five children, Alice (husband Marvin) Siemer of Rockbridge, Della (husband Jim) Jeffers of Roodhouse, Dwayne (wife Sue) Scott of Hillview, Letha (husband Calvin) Kisselbach of Roodhouse, and Gloria Webster of Medora; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Eileen Odel.

She was preceded in death by two daughters, Delores Laster and Laura Lee Jones; a son, Charles Scott; and a sister, Marguerite.

There was no visitation. Graveside services were at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Dayton Cemetery, south of Eldred.

Mackey-Daws Funeral Home in Roodhouse was in charge of arrangements.

Greene Prairie Press, Carrollton, IL, Wednesday, March 19, 2003

William E. "Red" Hopper, age 71, of Jacksonville, formerly of Roodhouse, died Friday morning, March 7, 2003, at the White Hall Multicare Center.

He was born Aug. 2, 1931 in Athensville, the son of Fred J. and Mildred Williams Hopper.

He is survived by four daughters, Dana Hopper of Roodhouse, Rebecca Ann Hitchcock of Spencer, Iowa and Carne Weber and Tara Winters, both of White Hall; one son, James Hopper of Bluffs; nine grandchildren; four brothers, Lyle Dean (wife, Carol) Hopper of Godfrey; John Hopper, Paul Hopper and Ron Hopper, all of Roodhouse; and three sisters, Virginia Buchanan of Roodhouse; Shirley (husband, Paul) Bechdoldt (infant), three brothers: Delbert "Boots" Bechdoldt, Orville `Bub" Bechdoldt and "Gus" Bechdoldt.

Visitation was held at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton where services were held Monday. Burial followed in Dayton Cemetery south of Eldred.

Memorials may be made to the family or a charity of one's choice. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.

Gazette-Patriot, Carrollton, Ill., Thursday, June 26, 2003

Donald L. Johnson Sr., 70, of Carrollton died Friday morning, June 20, 2003, at Jefferson Baracks VA Medical Center in St. Louis.

Born in Oaks, N.D. Sept. 16, 1932, the son of Leonard and Martha (Berg) Johnson, he married Retha Merriman Nov. 30, 1957, and she survives.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Retha, are four daughters, Mrs. Bill (Janet) Dossett of White Hall, Mrs. Ron (Donna) Layton of Carrollton, Mrs. Earl (Rhonda) Bailey of Medora, and Charlene "Kitty" Ward of Fresno, Calif.; two sons, Donald (wife Mary Beth) Johnson Jr., of St. Peters, Mo., and Leslie (fiance Destrie) Johnson of Jacksonville; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one brother, Gordon Johnson of Canyon City, Colo.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Sandra Johnson; and one sister, Adilene Meorke.

A veteran of the US Navy, Mr. Johnson served in the Korean Conflict. He drove a semi-truck and trailer until his retirement due to ill health. He was a member of the Eldred American Legion Post and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Carrollton.

Visitation was Tuesday preceding noon funeral services at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton with the Rev. Steve Jacobson officiating. Special music included CD selections of "The Old Rugged Cross" and "In the Garden" by Elvis Presley and "Go Rest High on That Mountain" by Vince Gill.

Casketbearers were Mark Ansell, Wayne Wolfe, Ron Bailey, Earl Bailey, James Taylor, Brandon Dossett, Donald Johnson Jr., and Ron Layton. Interment followed at Dayton Cemetery, south of Eldred, with full military rites provided by the Eldred American Legion Post.

The Telegraph, Alton, IL., April 03, 2002

ELDRED - Geraldine Schild, 75, died at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2002, at Reisch Memorial Nursing Home in Carrollton. Born Dec. 8, 1926, in Woodville Township, she was the daughter of the late D.C. and Cecil (Hyde) Grizzle.

She married Robert F. Schild May 28, 1947, in Bluffdale Township. He survives.

A member of the Eldred Baptist Church and a former schoolteacher, she will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Also surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Robert J. and Deb Schild of Eldred, and a grandson, John Schild of Eldred.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. Jon Lobos will officiate.

Burial will follow at Dayton Cemetery, south of Eldred.

Memorials may be made to the Eldred Baptist Church, Dayton Cemetery or Reisch Memorial Nursing Home.

Unknown paper probably Gazette-Patriot - Carrollton, IL. Apr 1944

Mrs. Alice, Schudel, 78, died at 9:10 a.m. Saturday, April 8 at Boyd Memorial hospital in this city where she had been a patient for about four weeks.

The body was taken to the Mehl funeral home and services were held at 2:30 Monday afternoon at Eldred Baptist church with the Rev. Wall of Medora officiating.

The pallbearers were Robert Wagoner, George Darr, Martin Davidson, Ray Varble, Vernice Varble and Arnot Meek. Flower girls were Miss Betty Flatt, Miss Edna Varble Miss Alice Eales, Mrs. Lee Rich, Mrs. Glen Varble, Mrs. Delbert Varble, Mrs. Joe Gieson and Mrs. Everett Schudel.

The decedent's maiden name was Alice Laura Davidson and she was born near Eldred August 17, 1865, the daughter of Robert and Lucinda Davidson. Her marriage to Fred Schudel took place in December 1888. To this union were born seven children six of who survive. They are Clifton Schudel of Fieldon; Mrs. Tina Varble and Mrs. Edna Flatt of Carrollton; Mrs. Cecil Burrows and Mrs. Lelia Eales of Brighton; and Mrs. Fay Wood of Alton. A daughter Lulu May died in infancy and Mr. Schudel died in 1908.

Mrs. Schudle also leaves two brothers, Markus Davidson of Eldred and Jasper Davidson of Alton, and four sisters, Mrs. Mary Varble of Eldred; Mrs. Ida Varble, Mrs. Minnie Wagoner and Mrs. Clara Bruns of Carrollton; fourteen grand children and ten great grandchildren.

Mrs. Schudel united with the Eldred Baptist church many years ago and had spent her entire life in Greene county with the exception of the last few years when she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Burrows, in Brighton.

(From AH:Burial was in Dayton Cemetery)

JERSEYVILLE - Margaret I. Schudel, 95, formerly of Calhoun County, died at 9:20 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2003, at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville. She was born Oct. 2, 1907, on the family farm south of Hamburg, the youngest of six children born to John and Margaret (Surgeon) Byrd.

She attended Oak Grove School, Hardin High School, Gem City Business College and the Illinois Teachers College in Normal. After completing her education, she taught school for many years in Calhoun County. Her first position was in 1920 in the Indian Creek one-room schoolhouse, then as a business teacher at Hardin High School until her marriage in 1937. She later returned as a substitute teacher at Calhoun High School beginning in the 1950s and remained there for many years.

She married Walter "Pat" Schudel on June 5, 1937, in Taylorville, Ill., and they shared and enjoyed nearly 65 years together before his death March 3, 2002.

They began their married life in Alton, moving to Calhoun County in 1943, where they lived on their farm until failing health required they build a new home in Jerseyville in 1991. In 2001, her husband’s health required nursing home care and she, always the loving mother and devoted wife, chose to accompany him to the Calhoun Care Center, where she remained even after his death. She was initiated into the Calhoun Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star on June 11, 1931, was worthy matron in 1939 and remained an active member of the Past Worthy Matrons. She was also past president of the Calhoun County Home Extension. An active and regular attendee of the Hardin Presbyterian Church, she taught Sunday school classes for many years, participated in the quartet and was active in the United Presbyterian Women.

Surviving are her two daughters and a son-in-law, Margaret "Patsy" and Bill Halemeyer of Fieldon and Ruth Ann Simpkins of Evanston; seven grandchildren, Annette Mata of Chicago, Jane Wilson of St. Louis, Sarah Halemeyer of Denver, Patrick Simpkins of Naperville, Ill., Kirk Simpkins of Little Rock, Ark., Erich Simpkins of Memphis, Tenn., and Betsy Simpkins of Chicago; and two great-grandchildren, Ashley and Steven Wilson.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Everett, James and Earl Byrd, and two sisters, Elda Byrd Whitworth and Lelia Byrd. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Crawford Funeral Home (Jacoby Chapel) in Jerseyville, where Eastern Star services will be conducted at 8 p.m.

Visitation will continue from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Monday at the Hardin Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Paul D. Frazier officiating.

Burial will take place at the Dayton Cemetery near Eldred.

Memorials may be given to the Hardin Presbyterian Church or to the Jersey County Historical Society for the Lone Star One-Room School Project.

The Telegraph, Alton, IL., March 5, 2002

Walter L. "Pat" Schudel, 89, died at 6:20 a.m. Sunday, March 3, 2002, at Calhoun Care Center in Hardin, where he resided with his wife.

Born in Spanky in Jersey County on May 27, 1912, he was one of two sons of the late Clifton and Josie (Borman) Schudel.

He married the former Margaret I. Byrd on June 5, 1937, in Taylorville, and they have shared more than 64 years together.

The former Jerseyville resident graduated in 1930 from Jersey Township High School in Jerseyville and worked at Shell Oil Company for several years before he began farming in the Jersey and Calhoun area. He and his wife resided on their farm in Calhoun County from 1943 until 1991, when they built a new home on County Road in Jerseyville. They stayed at that residence until declining health necessitated their move to the nursing home recently.

A member of the Calhoun Chapter of Eastern Star 990, he was a member for more than 65 years of the Fieldon Masonic Lodge 592 and member of the Jerseyville Moose Lodge 695. He was a past commissioner of the Nutwood Levee District, past president of the Calhoun County Farm Bureau, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hardin where he had served as an elder and trustee. He and his wife loved to travel and spent many winter months in Florida.

In addition to his widow, surviving are two daughters and a son-in-law, Ruth Ann Simpkins of Evanston and Margaret "Patsy" and Bill Halemeyer of Fieldon; seven grandchildren, Annette Halemeyer of Chicago, Jane Halemeyer Wilson of St. Louis, Sarah Halemeyer of Denver, Colo., Patrick Simpkins of Naperville, Kirk Simpkins of New Orleans, La., Erich Simpkins of Memphis, Tenn. and Betsy Simpkins of Naperville; and two great-grandchildren, Ashley and Stephen Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Everett "Mike" Schudel.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville where Masonic services will conclude the visitation.

Visitation will continue from 9 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church in Hardin with the Rev. Paul Frazier officiating.

Burial will follow at the Dayton Cemetery near Eldred.

Memorials may be given to the church or to the Jersey County Historical Society for the relocation and restoration of the Lone Star school which he attended as a child.

The Telegraph, Alton, Il., March 15, 2003

Helen B. Waters, 83, died at 5:32 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2003, at Calhoun Care Center in Hardin. She was born July 3, 1919, in Eldred to George and Cecil Halbert Bechdoldt.

She married Orville "Sap" Waters on Aug. 22, 1942, in Bowling Green, Mo. He died Feb. 13, 2001.

A devoted wife and mother, she will be sadly missed by her surviving daughter, Toni Dice of Carrollton; a son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Marlene Waters of Spanky, Ill.; three grandchildren, Lisa Waters of Bethalto, Andrew Dice of Wood River and Rob Waters of Jacksonville; and two great-grandchildren, Micayla and Alexa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Fred Dice; two sisters, Mildred Ussery and Anna Mae Bechdoldt in infancy; and three brothers, Delbert "Boots" Bechdoldt, Orville "Bub" Bechdoldt and "Gus" Bechdoldt.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday.

Burial will follow at Dayton Cemetery, south of Eldred.

Memorials may be made to the family or a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.

The Telegraph - Alton, IL. March 17, 2001

WHITE HALL -- Eva Ruth Schofield, 89, died at 8:25 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 2001. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today at Dayton Cemetery south of Eldred. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. Airsman-Hires F.H. in Carrollton is in charge of arrangements.

The Telegraph - Alton, IL. February 15, 2001

ELDRED -- Orville R. "Sap" Waters, 80, died at 8:32 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2001, at Calhoun Care Center in Hardin. Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. today at Airsman-Hires F. H. in Carrollton. Services: 2 p.m. Friday at Eldred Baptist Church. Burial: Dayton Cemetery south of Eldred.

Submitted by: Allen Handling