Ezra Leon Reams

Herrin- EZRA LEON REAMS, age 83, of Herrin, passed away at 11:35am on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Ezra was born in Herrin on January 19, 1924 the son of Ezra Alonzo and Nola (Adams) Reams. He married Ida Mae Wallace in Cape Girardeau, MO on June 27, 1942. She preceded him in death on June 10, 2006. Yesterday, they were able to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary together in Heaven. Mr. Reams was an active member of the Carbondale Church of God. He was a World War II Army Air Force Veteran stationed in the Quaduline Islands and a member of the Millwrights local #1043 in Gary, Indiana. Leon was a retired supervisor from Graycorps Industrial Construction of Chicago. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Leon had a love for music. Self taught, he played eight different instruments by ear including the guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, piano, organ, accordian, and the harmonica. Survivors include- a daughter- Barbara Ann DeWitt of Gary, IN Two sons and daughters-in-law- Richard and Tammy Reams of Oneonta, AL Mike and Becky Reams of Carterville, IL Four daughters and sons-in-law- Wanda & Dennis Dean of Wimumma, FL Rose & Jessie Kerrigan of Freeman Spur, IL Kim and Jim Smith of Ashkum, IL Patty and Frank Farmer of Herrin, IL 31 Grandchildren Forty Great Grandchildren Four Great Great Grandchildren Sister- Anna Lee Reams of Gary, IN Many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews Close Friends- Pastor Manuel and Linnie Mae Jackson, Rev. Gilbert and Nancy Gee, and Rev. Don Colson. Leon was preceded in death by his wife- Ida Mae Reams, his parents, three brothers, one granddaughter, and one grandson. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Friday, June 29, 2007 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with Rev. Manuel Jackson and Rev. Arthur Joplin officiating. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery with military rites performed at graveside by Herrins VFW and American Legion posts. Visitation will be held from 6-9pm on Thursday, June 28, 2007 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Carbondale Church of God, in memory of Ida and Leon Reams. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com