Anthony Rudolph Mesner

Anthony "Tony" Rudolph Mesner, age 88, of El Paso, Ill., passed away on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 in the loving arms of his granddaughter.

Tony was born Nov. 3, 1925, a son to John and Anna (Blazech) Mesner. He married Shirley June (Hall) in 1943 in Kalamazoo, Mich. and she preceded him in death on July 18, 1978 after 35 years of marriage. Tony attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School in Du Quoin, Ill. while growing up. He worked in maintenance for the El Paso, Ill. schools for 40 years. Tony was also a member of the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed golfing, watching Westerns and caring for his dogs and his home. Tony loved smoking cigars or a pipe while visiting with family and he developed a recent passion for fried chicken.

Tony is survived by two sons, John A. (Jeanetta) Mesner of Clovis, N.M. and Stephen A. (Debbie) Mesner of Lincoln, Ill.; one daughter, Cindy (Gary) Skirtich of Rockton, Ill.; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren, with another due in May; one great-great-grandchild due in one month and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Shirley; one son, Lawrence A. Mesner and 11 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Ill. on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Joseph Oganda officiating. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Du Quoin, Ill.

Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Ill. on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

For more information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.