Willis W. Chewning, Sr.

Willis W. Chewning, Sr., age 91, of Monmouth, passed away at 10:43 p.m., Friday, March 18, 2011 at the Monmouth Nursing Home in Monmouth, Ill. He was born on October 23, 1919 in Monmouth, Ill., the son of Spencer L. and Mary Toops Chewning. Willis attended school in Monmouth as well as LaCrosse, Wi. He served as a Corporal and drove an ambulance in the Medical Unit in the United States Army from 1941 to 1945. While serving, Willis met the love of his life in Australia, and he married Mary P. McGill on November 25, 1946 in Monmouth, she preceded him in death on August 8, 2001. Willis first was employed by the M&St. L Railroad; he then was a mechanic for Pierson & Wood Ford Garage in Roseville, Ill.. Later he worked at International Harvester Company in Moline, Ill., the Warren County Highway Department and lastly for 32 years at Butler Manufacturing in Galesburg, Ill.. Willis is a life long member of the V.F.W. and American legion in Monmouth. Willis is survived by his two children; Patricia Thompson of Monmouth, and Willis W. "Butch" Chewning of Oquawka, Ill. Also surviving are five grandchildren; Christel Thompson of Monmouth, Laura Thompson of rural Monmouth, Michael Thompson of rural Monmouth, Julaine Holtz (Dave) of Center Point, Ia., and Denys Berry (Matt) of Rochester, Wa. Also surviving are six grandchildren and one brother Raymond Chewning (Geri) of Monmouth. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, one sister and four brothers. Services:Cremation has been accorded. A graveside committal of his ashes with Military Honors will be at 1:30 p.m., Friday, March 25, 2011 at the Monmouth Cemetery in Monmouth. A memorial fund has been established for St. Jude's Children's Hospital, the Monmouth V.F.W. Post 2301 or the Monmouth American Legion Post 136. Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth is in charge of the arrangements. For more information please visit, www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.