Paul L. Kerley

Paul L. Kerley, first born of James Clarence Kerley & Etta Mae (Claxton) Kerley, was born October 14, 1920 in Cobden, IL. He departed this life Sunday afternoon, June 18, 2006, at 2:18 PM at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, KY. At the time of his passing, Paul had attained the age of 85 years 8 months & 4 days. Paul was united in marriage to Beulah Lorraine ƒ?oPennyƒ?? Reynolds on June 19, 1946. She preceded him in death on April 14, 1984. Paul was later united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth (nee Johnson) Veach on May 2, 1990 at the Dayton Avenue Baptist Church in Peoria, IL. She survives. Other survivors include: 3 Sons: John Alfred ƒ?oAlƒ?? & Darlene Kerley of West Peoria, IL, Paul Lavern & Brenda Kerley of Bartonville, IL & Bruce Veach; A Daughter: Pamela Marie & Pete Stempora; 12 Grandchildren; 15 Great Grandchildren; 2 Great-Great Grandchildren; 2 Brothers: Earnest Kerley of Palos Hills, IL, Thomas Dale Kerley of Vienna, IL; 4 Sisters: Erma L. Palmer of Vienna, IL, Norma Newton of Buncombe, IL, Eula Edith McManus of Peoria, IL & Eva Aline Wheat of Copperas Cove, TX; Nieces & Nephews. In addition to his Parents & first Wife, Paul was preceded in death by: A Great Grandson; A Sister ƒ?" Arreta Mae Kerley; 3 Brothers ƒ?" William Russell Kerley, James Elvis Kerley & Delbert Wayne Kerley. Paul was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1937-1939. He joined the U.S. Army in May 1940 and was initially stationed in Pensacola, FL. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Paul served in the South Pacific in the Coast Artillery/Special Battalion (CA-BN). He was then sent to Bora-Bora, then to Efate, Guadalcanal, and New Georgia. Paul then served in the European Theater in France and Germany, prior to his honorable discharge in November 1945. Paul was employed for 30 years as a Quality Analyst by Caterpillar, Inc. in Peoria, IL. He was a member of the Vienna First Baptist Church. Paul was an active member of the Masonic Fraternity. He was a member of Vienna Masonic Lodge # 150 AF&AM; was a Life Member of the Scottish Rite Bodies; member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Shawnee Shrine Club; Egyptian Chapter # 30 Order of the Eastern Star; the Hillbilly Clan; and the American Legion. Paul enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting, working puzzles, reading & poetry. Paul also enjoyed traveling. He loved music and played the harmonica and keyboard. Paul was a dedicated Bible student. He loved his country and was very patriotic. He enjoyed watching John Wayne movies. Friends may call from 4 PM ƒ?" 7 PM Tuesday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Eastern Star rites will be accorded at 7 PM Tuesday under the auspices of Egyptian Chapter # 30 O.E.S., followed by Masonic rites under the auspices of Vienna Masonic Lodge # 150 AF&AM. Friends may call from 4 PM ƒ?" 7 PM Thursday at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. A Graveside service, with military rites, will be conducted Friday morning, June 23, 2006, at 10 AM at the Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Memorials may be made to the Shrinerƒ?Ts Hospitals for Crippled Children, 2001 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63131-3597.

Paul L. Kerley

October 14, 1920 - June 18, 2006