John C. Gant Sr.

John C. Gant Sr., 75, of Christopher, passed away at 12:55 a.m., Saturday, June 1, 2013 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

John had work in mine construction for the coal mine. He had also worked at Turco and Blue Bell Packing Company for many years. John had worked for M & C Transportation.

He was born Sept. 11, 1937 at Du Quoin, Ill., the son of Curtis W. and Anna M. (Krmitzski) Gant.

He married Iva Blagg on Aug. 28, 1983 at Du Quoin, Ill. and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Christopher, six children - Sharon Burns of Crab Orchard, Ill., John C. Gant Jr. and wife Jody of Benton, Ill., Charmaine Horn and husband Tom of Carterville, Ill., Scott Gant and wife Kim of Carterville, Ill., Lori Mitchell and husband Curt of Carterville, Ill. and Melvin Hoenig of Du Quoin, 13 grandchildren - Hope Cole, Amanda Favier, Joseph Alstat, Brandon Alstat, Tiffany Raley and husband Nathan, Courtney Gant, Brittney Gant, Allyson Mitchell, Taylor Mitchell, Lauryn Mitchell, Gauge Mitchell, Dina Hoenig and Tristin Hoenig and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother - Ray C. Gant.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Max Voyles officiating.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial will be in the Old Du Quoin Cemetery at Du Quoin.

Friends may make memorials to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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