Clarence "Junior" Shemwell

Herrin- Clarence Junior Shemwell, 86, of Herrin was received by God, just before sunrise on Easter morning, April 12, 2009 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Junior was born on May 25, 1922 at the family home in Herrin to Clarence Richard & Clara M. (Popham) Shemwell. He married Cleda M. Leeper on June 28, 1947 in Mayfield, KY. She preceded him in death on March 27, 2004. Junior served in US Army and was a veteran of 7 invasions during WWII. He was stationed in Africa, Italy and France before his honorable discharge. During his enlistment he had the opportunity to drive Gen. George S. Patton. Once he returned home he began working as a buggy driver for Zeigler # 4 coal mine. He retired in 1980. Junior was civically active. He was a former mayor and trustee of the Village of Energy. He served as President of the Energy School Board during its consolidation with Herrin Unit #4. He served many years as Democrat precinct committeeman. Junior was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, United Mine Workers of America, Williamson County Shrine Club and Herrin Prairie Lodge #693. He was a longtime and faithful member of Lone Oak Baptist Church in Energy and was known as the Candy Man by the congregation. Junior will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include- Daughter- Loretta Shemwell Hunter of Herrin Son- Sam Shemwell & wife Mona of Herrin Daughter- Debbie Smith & husband Moose of Herrin Five Grandchildren who called him Pretty Pa Pa: Rob Hunter & wife Kellie of Carterville Kandi Chapman & husband Brian of Carterville Stephanie Voss & husband Keith of Murphysboro McKenzie Smith of Louisville, KY Brynnen Smith of Herrin Six Great Grandchildren: Nicholas & Brett Shemwell Hunter of Carterville Miriah & Jacob Chapman of Carterville Melanie & Carter Voss of Murphysboro Sister- Dorothy Dardeen & husband Virgil Jigs of Muddy, IL Sister in law- Agnes Shemwell of Herrin Several nieces & nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, grandson- Brett Shemwell, one brother & two sisters. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at Lone Oak Baptist Church in Energy. Pastor Jerry Schell will officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Military rites will be performed at graveside by the Herrin VFW, American Legion Post, and Army National Guard. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until time of service, Wednesday at Lone Oak Baptist Church in Energy. Funeral arrangements were made at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Lone Oak Baptist Church and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St./ Herrin, IL 62948. Watch the Video Tribute ---