Bernard Joseph Lipton

Bernard Joseph Lipton, known to many as T-Bags or Babe was born on March 22, 1931 in Dowell, Ill. and heaven became his home at 4:15 a.m. on May 16, 2013 at the age of 82 in Carbondale, Ill.

Preceding him in death were his previous wife: Margaret Lipton, his parents: Mary (Kopsho) and Martin Lipton, his three brothers: Pat, Leonard and James Lipton and his son-in-law: Dudley VanZandt.

Survivors include Bernard's wife: Janice Behn; daughters: Lisa VanZandt (Dowell), Chris and her husband Todd Rundquist (St. Louis, Mo.), Terry and her husband Darren Boch (N.J.); step-son: Kevin and his wife Kandy Behn (Swansea, Ill.) and step-daughter: Tena and her husband John Hall (Ala.). Ten surviving grandchildren include Mia Rose VanZandt; Joseph, Oliver and Margaret Boch; Zoe and Elijah Rundquist; Chase and Ella Behn; Kristi Cline (Ala.) and Toni Kimble (S.C.).

Bernard's grandparents and father were born in Hungary. His wife's parents ran a boarding home in Muddy, Ill. and this is where his parents (Mary and Martin) met. His parents had their house built in Dowell during the Great Depression and in exchange, fed the workers. Bernard, the Babe, and his three brothers moved into the house with his parents when he was three months old. He resided at this homestead for 68 years.

He had worked at Ill. Central Railroad as an 'Agent Operator' beginning in 1952 and had worked there for almost 40 years.

He had farmed and raised cattle with Gene Endres for 15 years while on the railroad and he had worked at Green's IGA for three years.

Bernard attended Life Church in Marion, Ill., where he was a greeter and brought smiles to many.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2013 at the Elkville Christian Church in Elkville with Pastor John Parton and Pastor Brent Fitzgerald officiating.

Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the Elkville Christian Church in Elkville.

Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Du Quoin.

Friends may make memorials to TIP Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

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