John Edward Rednour Sr.

John Edward Rednour Sr., of Du Quoin, passed away at 1:40 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.

He was born Dec. 20, 1934 in Percy, Ill., the son of Ora Earl "Job" and Margaret (Masters) Rednour.

John married Wanda Lou Hepp on Oct. 11, 1952 in Pocahontas, Arkansas and shared 61 years of marriage.

John is survived by his loving wife Wanda of Du Quoin, his daughter Kathy (Jim) Campanella and their two sons, Jordan and Calen, his daughter Janice (Kevin) Pyle and their children Jill (Jason) VanZandt and Holden, his son John (Laurie) Rednour Jr. and their children, Lauren (Daniel) Cashion and John Rednour III. He is also survived by his six great grandchildren Drayke, Karah & Mallory Cashion and Jaxon, Jameson & Jake VanZandt, one brother Frank (Virginia) Burke, brothers-in-law Frank Hepp, Dennis Hepp, Larry Hepp and sister-in-law Minta Hepp and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Clifford Rednour.

John was a successful businessman throughout his life. But in his younger years he started as an ironworker. He then began a business called Rednour Steel in Cutler, Ill. From there he had ownership in a newspaper, CaterVend of Du Quoin, Air Illinois airlines, R & H Steel Erectors and then decided to buy a bank known then and now as Du Quoin State Bank.

John was a Shriner, a member of the Trico School Board and during his lifetime he was very active in politics and held many political jobs and appointments such as Perry County Commissioner, Chairman of the State of Illinois Democrat Party, Chairman and member of the Illinois State Police Merit Board, Mayor of Du Quoin for 24 years, a top ranking delegate for the Democratic National Committee for over 30 years.

He and Wanda enjoyed traveling throughout the world and he was always ready to take a vacation with family and friends and especially with Wanda.

His motto throughout his life was "Don't Cry Over Something That Can't Cry Over You" and the City of Du Quoin "never took a back seat" as he was always thinking of what was best for Du Quoin.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013 at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Du Quoin with Rev. Joe Wagner officiating.

Visitation will be at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013 and 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013.

Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Du Quoin Food Pantry. Envelopes will be available at the visitation and service.

The Rednour Family would like to thank everyone who sent cards and offered words of encouragement during this difficult time.

Searby Funeral Home of Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

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