James C. Chitwood

James C. Chitwood, 84, of Du Quoin, passed away at 12:17 p.m., Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 at his residence.

James had been a meter reader with Laclede Gas for 32 years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served as a Seaman 1st Class from 1946 until 1948. James loved fishing, golfing and playing bingo.

He was born March 5, 1929 at St. Louis, Mo., the son of Lyman and Thelma (Broyles) Chitwood.

He married Virginia Wickline on Jan. 9, 1972 at St. Charles, Mo. and she preceded him in death on Jan. 3, 1999.

He is survived by three children - Debra L. Rahn and husband Phillip of St. Louis, Mo., Karen A. Chitwood of Niles, Calif. and James M. Chitwood and fiancee Diane McCarthy of Olathe, Kans., grandchildren - Shawn Pupillo and husband Christopher, Joshua O'Keefe, Kelsey O'Keefe, Matthew Dyke, Nathan Dyke and wife Maegan, Jacob Dyke, Thomas Chitwood and Jonathan Chitwood, great grandchildren - Nicholas O'Keefe, Adelia Pupillo, Chloe Dyke and Carson Dyke, two sisters - Dorothy Lee Durrwachter of St. Charles, Mo. and Dwanda Jo Key of Lake of the Ozarks, Mo., many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two sisters - Della Marie Laurent and Shirley Jean Edmondson and one brother - Lyman Bernell Chitwood.

Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Joe Wagner officiating.

Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Du Quoin.

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

Friends may make memorials to the American Heart Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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