advertisement

Mike Sakovich

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Mike Sakovich, 91, of Dowell, passed away at 1:20 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Mike had worked for 15 years as a coal mine supervisor. He had worked for 25 years as a coal mine inspector and retired in 1992 from the Federal Bureau of Mines. He was a member of the Elkville Methodist Church. He was a member of the American Legion and a member of the Du Quoin Masonic Lodge 234 for over 50 years. He was a U.S. Army/Air Force veteran of World War II. He had served in the Pacific Theatre, Saipan and Iwo Jima. He was a lifetime member of Smoke Eaters and Mine Rescue. He had played minor league baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1940's. He loved playing golf and dancing.

He was born Dec. 6, 1918 at Royalton, Ill., the son of Charles and Annie (Burch) Sokovich.

He married Joanna Casleton on Oct. 4, 1940 at Jackson, Mo. and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Dowell, one daughter - Linda Kelley and husband James of Stockbridge, Ga., two grandchildren - Stephen Brown of Stockbridge, Ga., and Karen Todd and husband Lonnie of Carlisle, Ind., three great grandchildren - Justin Todd, Jacob Todd and Jarett Todd, all of Carlisle, Ind., and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son - Michael, and four brothers - John, Charles, Alex and Mick.

Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Robert Hartsock officiating.

Friends called from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial was in the Elkville Cemetery at Elkville.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion.

Friends may make memorials to the Elkville Methodist Church, c/o Ethel Barnett, 212 N. First St., Elkville, IL 62932.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.