Cordell Lavern Addison
Cordell Lavern Addison, 93, of Elkville, passed away at 12:30 a.m., Monday, Oct. 14, 2013 at the Jackson County Rehab and Care Center in Murphysboro.
Cordell Lavern Addison was born at home in rural Elkville to Henry Clay Addison and Cora (Williams) Addison. He was the last living of 13 children born to this union.
Cordell was a coal miner at Truax Traer Mine, Consolidated Mine, Peabody Mine and AMAX Mine.
Cordell was a member and Deacon of the Elkville Baptist Church. His church and church family were a very important part of Cordell's life. His quiet Christian witness was well known by those who knew him. He was a servant of God. Those who loved him are excited to know his final prayers to "go home to the Lord" were answered.
Cordell was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and was posted to the Pacific in a Barrage Balloon Battalion. The honor flight to Washington, D.C. was a highlight of his later life. He loved to garden and many were gifted with vegetables and fruits of his labors. He truly nourished both the body and the souls of those around him.
He married Berta Bess Brayshaw on Aug. 19, 1946 at De Soto, Ill. and she passed away Oct. 16, 2009.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Berta Bess Addison. They had three children. He is survived by his children and their families: Francis and Willa Addison of Murphysboro, Steve and Gail (Addison) Leonard of Rochester, Ill. and Clay and wife Nancy Addison of Thailand. Cordell was blessed with seven grandchildren: Aaron and Anica Addison, Amy (Addison) Meier, Andrew and Sara Leonard, Jonathan and Jessica Leonard, Matthew Leonard, Naomi (Addison) and Benjamin Lancaster, Abigail (Addison) and Robert Walker. He was also blessed with six great grandchildren: Aslee and Anora Addison, Levi and Max Meier, Claira Leonard and Fia Lancaster. He will be missed by sister-in-law and brother-in-law Nina and Jim Daniel, many nieces and nephews and special friend Dorothy Burroughs.
He was preceded in death by six brothers and six sisters- Eva Addison Wise, Verla Addison Foster, Ada Addison Crews, Corrine Addison Blessing, Della Addison Cochran, Arrah Addison Kimmel, Clarence Addison, Elliot Addison, Emmett Addison, Orval Addison, Onis Addison and Reece Addison.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, Oct. 18, 2013 at the Elkville Baptist Church in Elkville with Rev. Darryl Williams officiating.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin and from 9 a.m. until time of service at the church on Friday.
Burial will be in the Elkville Cemetery.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin VFW and American Legion and the National Guard.
Friends may make memorials to the Elkville Baptist Church, Local Food Bank or the charity of your choice and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.