Senlo B. Distin

Senlo B. Distin, age 90, of Monmouth, passed away at 11:48 a.m., Monday, February 27, 2012 at the OSF Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth. He was born on November 24, 1921, in rural Nelson, Illinois and was the son of Russell H. and Gladys Moeller Distin. Senlo was raised in Dixon and attended local schools and graduated from Dixon High School with the class of 1940. Senlo entered service during World War II with the Army Air Corp from which he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Senlo served in the Air Force during the War and afterward completed his degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois. Senlo married Mary Elizabeth Kennay on May 18, 1946 in Dixon, Illinois. After service Senlo was first employed at the Illinois Highway Department, then at C.K. Willett Consulting Engineers, then was the Henderson County Superintendent of Highways. Lastly Senlo was self employed as a land surveyor with Gene Fields of Fields & Distin, practically until his death. Senlo was a member of the Monmouth Evening Lions Club, the Henderson County Humane Society, the Illinois Registered Land Surveyors Association, the Monmouth Flying Club, the Burlington Moose Lodge, Heritage United Presbyterian Church and it's "Promise Keepers". Senlo was an avid duck hunter, and a card-carrying member of the National Rifle Association. He loved to dance, work crossword puzzles, and read. Earlier he owned and cared for several horses, and loved all animals. He most loved playing and winning at Spades with his grandchildren. Surviving is his wife, Mary Elizabeth of Monmouth, Illinois; four daughters, Cindy Distin of Monmouth, IL, Gloria (John) Baker of Kirkwood, IL, Donna (Courtney) Cox of Monmouth, IL and Judy Turvey of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and two sons Gary (Mary) Distin of Monmouth, IL and Dan (Viki) Distin of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Grandchildren survive, John A Baker, III, Ryan D. Baker, Aubrey Turvey, David R. Distin, Steven P. Distin, Joel, Kelly, Tony, and Amanda Cox Mitchell, Brent, and Casey Distin. Three great grandchildren survive, and his sister Lola Pierce of Paw Paw, Illinois and brother Vernon (Lila) Distin of Ottawa, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. Services:A funeral service will be at 10:30 am on Friday March 2, 2012, at Heritage United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth. Interment with military honors will be at Warren County Memorial Park Cemetery. His family plans to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday evening at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth for visitation. A memorial fund is being established for Heritage United Presbyterian Church of Monmouth, Illinois, the Honor Flight, and the Lions Club.