Alfred Louis "Al" Ditto

Herrin- Alfred Louis Al Ditto, 77, of Herrin, passed away at 12:10 PM, Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Al was born on April 2, 1935 in Herrin to Louis Francis and Marjorie Lorine (Lee) Ditto. He married Phyllis Marlow on November 17, 1954 in Herrin. She survives of Herrin. Al served his country bravely while enlisted first for four years in the United States Navy and then serving another sixteen years in the United States Air Force before retiring. Once honorably discharged he began another twenty year career for the United States Bureau of Prisons as Employee Development Manager before retiring in November of 1994. He was a believer of the catholic faith and attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. He was also a member of the Illinois Police Association, the Herrin VFW and the Herrin Elks. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing with friends and family and spending time outdoors gardening. He most enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and also cooking and frying fish. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. Survivors include- Wife- Phyllis Ditto of Herrin Daughter- Debra Shephard and husband Steve of Boalsburg, PA Daughter- Barbara Gail Klasek and husband Steve of St. Charles, MO Daughter- Angela Farley and husband David of Herrin Son- Michael Louis Ditto and wife Deborah of Lakeland, TN Daughter- Lisa Marie Lundy and husband Joe of Pittsburgh, PA Eleven Grandchildren: Taylor Shephard Samuel Shephard Rachel Campbell Malorie Colp and husband Casey Ryan Farley and wife Melissa Kyle Farley Mackenzie Atkins and husband Gabe Devan Pickett Mikayla Ditto Jack Lundy Vincent Lundy Five Great Grandchildren: Dillan and Brylan Alexander Lauren Farley Owen Atkins Bentley Louis Colp Brother- Wayne Ditto and wife Sharon of Grafton, VA Sister- Bettie Wilson of New York Sister- Judy Wozencraft and husband Richard of Urbana Several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, brother- Don Ditto and sister- Lillie Brodkowicz and brother in law- Henry Wilson. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, February 7, 2013 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Monsignor Ken Schaefer will officiate. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery with military rites performed at graveside by the Herrin VFW and American Legion Posts with assistance from the Illinois National Guard. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until time of service, Thursday, at the funeral home. Als grandson will be completing the Fuego y Agua 50k on February 16, 2013 in his grandfathers name. The family would like to thank Dr. Cowart, Dr. Kamran and the staff at Fresenius Medical Care in Marion, Dr. Son Le and Nate Clark of Prairie Cardiovascular for their longtime care, and Hospice of Southern Illinois. Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church/ Education Foundation and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St/ Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.