Obituary for Richard "Butch" Witbart

Posted August 25, 2015 11:00 pm

STEELEVILLE, Richard W. "Butch" Witbart, 89, of Steeleville, passed away at 7:15 p.m. Monday, August 24, 2015, at Randolph County Care Center in Sparta.

He was born June 9, 1926 in Welge, the son of Albert and Anna (Leaders) Witbart. Richard married Margaret Anne Meyerhoff on June 9, 1957 at the Wesley Methodist Church in Percy.

Together they shared 58 years of marriage. Richard attended school in Steeleville and Sparta. He was drafted into the Navy at the age of 18 during WWII as a radioman on a destroyer escort.

After serving his country, he attended college in Carthage. He taught school in Baldwin, Steeleville, Trico and Sparta. Richard was a coach and a football and basketball referee. He also was a softball and baseball umpire. In 1964 he entered politics as a Randolph County Circuit Clerk and served the County for 36 years. He was the Steeleville Democratic Precinct Committeeman. Richard was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, a 72 year member of the American Legion BBK Post 480 of Steeleville, VFW #3553 of Chester, a member of the Alma Lodge #497 A. F. & A. M, Steeleville, the Ainad Shriners, E. St. Louis, The Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Southern Illinois and a member of the Randolph County 40/8 Voiture No. l477. He is survived by his wife: Anne; daughters: Jennifer (Eddy) Howell of Murphysboro and Allisen (Brian) Thies of Cutler; Grandsons: Shayne (Emily) Howell of Herrin, Wesley Howell, Tyler Howell and Drew (Hannah) Howell all of Murphysboro; Granddaughters: Rachel and Katelyn Thies of Cutler.

He is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Hayden, Norah, Kobe and Grayson Howell; Sister-in-law: Jane Kuhnert of Cutler; Nephews: Bruce (Marcia) Witbart and Craig (Judy) Witbart; Cousins, Louise (Dick) Runge, Art (Carolyn) Witbart, Kevin (Stacey) Witbart and Jim (Karen) Reames. Richard is preceded in death by his parents, infant son, parents-in-law, brother, Allan, Sister-in-law, Dorothea Witbart and brother-in-law, Jerry Kuhnert. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church Steeleville with Rev. S. Blake Duncan officiating.

Burial will follow at Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Steeleville. Masonic Services will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and the American Legion Service will be at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, both at the funeral home.

Military Graveside Service was by the VFW of Chester. Memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Church, Alzheimer's Association or Shriner's Hospital for Children.

To sign the guest book online visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net

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