Eugene M. "Connie" Painter

Eugene M. "Connie" Painter, age 84, of Monmouth, Ill. passed away at 8:12 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2009, at OSF Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth. Connie was born on April 21, 1924, in Smithshire, Illinois the son of Carl and Ava Manuel Painter. The family moved to Monmouth when he was five years old and he attended Monmouth schools through high school. Connie entered serivce and was a 1st Sargent E-8 in the 644th Tank Division in the Army during World War II. He married Betty L. Frazee on June 26, 1948 in Rock Island, Illinois. She survives. Connie worked for Illinois Power Company as a gas foreman and serviceman for 42 years. He was a member of the Monmouth Masonic Lodge #37 AF & AM where he had served as Past Master. He was also a member of the J.W. Clendenin #2301 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Connie enjoyed square dancing and fixing and tinkering with many things. Besides his wife Betty, Connie is survived by Sher Painter of Prescott, Arizona, Cindy Kalin (Kip) of Monmouth, Kim Kollar (John) of Arvada, Colorado, one son Steve Painter (Patti) of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, one brother-in-law Lloyd Peterson of Cooper City, Florida and one niece. Connie is preceded in death by his parents, one son Chris Painter, one sister Darlene Peterson, two granddaughters and one nephew. Services:A graveside service with military honors will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2009, at Monmouth Cemetery. A Masonic service is planned at 6:30 p.m.at Turnbull Funeral Home on Wednesday evening. His family plans to receive friends following Masonic rites. A memorial fund is being established for the Monmouth Masonic Lodge #37.