David M. Hallam

David M. Hallam, formerly of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away on November 13, 2010 in North Riverside, Illinois. David was born on March 16, 1922 in rural Monmouth, Illinois to George M. and Anna (Robb) Hallam. He was born on the family farm east of Monmouth, which farm he and has brother continue to own. The farm has been in the Hallam family for more than 150 years, and has been recognized by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture. David attended a one-room school house known as "Hickory College" and completed his elementary education at Grier School. He graduated from Monmouth High School in 1940, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. As a member of the debate team, he placed 3rd in the state competition during his senior year. In 1944, David graduated cum laude from Monmouth College, and then he attended the Northwestern University Law School in Chicago for one year. In 1960, David formed the "David Hallam Agency" which sold real estate as well as insurance. In 1969, he was appointed Assistant Supervisor of Assessments for Warren County, becoming Supervisor of Assessments in 1973. In 1978, he joined Security Savings and Loan (now known as Security Savings Bank) as Chief Appraisal Officer, where he worked for 21 years. He retired in 1999 and moved to Peoria. In September of 2007, David moved to the Scottish Home (a retirement home operated by the Illinois St. Andrews Society) in North Riverside, Illinois. David married Elizabeth ("Betty") Caldwell on June 18, 1949. Betty was a teacher at Warren High School for 22 years, and continued as a substitute teacher at Warren High School and Monmouth High School until her sudden and unexpected death on February 23, 1991. Throughout his life, David was interested in agriculture, including being active in the Illinois Angus Breeders Association in the 1960's. Even in his youth, older farmers would consult David concerning his knowledge of Angus cattle. David was an active member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Monmouth, having been involved in its formation when four local Presbyterian churches united. After moving to Peoria, David was active at First Presbyterian Church and later at United Presbyterian Church. David and Betty were active collectors of Old Sleepy Eye pottery and Western Stoneware pottery, including being involved in the formation of the Old Sleepy Eye Collectors Club and serving as officers of that club. David was a member of the Monmouth Rotary Club, serving as its president from 1966 - 67 and received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. From 1955 to 1999, David served on the City of Monmouth Planning Commission and was its chairman for 12 years. From 1970 to 1972, David was president of the Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce and served several terms as a director. David also served on the Economic Development Committee from 1982 to 1999. In 1978, David and Betty received the Monmouth College Certificate of Service Award for dedicated service to the community. From 1985 to 1988, David served on the Monmouth College Alumni Board of Directors, and he later became a member of the McMichael Heritage Society. David is survived by his brother, Charles, of Monmouth, as well as four sons: Mark of Naperville, Illinois; John of Cocoa Beach, Florida, Tim (Cindy) of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Peter (Suzanne) of Flossmoor, Illinois. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, two nieces and two great-nieces. Services:A funeral service for Mr.Hallam will be on Saturday November 20, at 9:30 am at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Illinois. Cremation is then to be accorded. Visitation will be on Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm also at Turnbull Funeral Home. His family also plans to be at the funeral home for the half hour prior to the funeral service. Memorials may be made to the Hallam Christian Education Fund at Faith United Presbyterian Church of Monmouth, Illinois.