Julius (Poncho) Bione

December 22, 2001 Herrin- Julius "Poncho" Bione, 76, of Herrin, died at 7:35 P.M., Friday, December 21, 2001 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Mr. Bione was born on May 7, 1925 in Herrin, IL to Philip & Sophie (Calcaterra) Bione, Sr. He married Mary Lou Newsom on July 11, 1953 in Herrin. She preceded him in death on June 28, 2000. Poncho worked forty-six years in the coalmines. He first worked with Consolidated Coal Company in St. Louis, MO, but retired from Zeigler Coal Co. He worked in the engineering department and laboratory, and finally as Corporate Director of Safety & Training. He served as past president and honorary lifetime member of both the National Mine Rescue Association Post 39 & Illinois Mine Rescue Association. He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. Poncho volunteered his help often at San Carlo Cemetery. He was a member of the Herrin KC's, Elk's, and Herrin VFW Post. Mr. Bione was a US Navy Veteran and served 3 years during WWII aboard the USS Westmoreland. He also served during the Korean War for eighteen months aboard the USS Diamond Head. Survivors: Nephew- David & wife Kiyoko Bione- Herrin Sisters: Vicki & husband Harry Crain, Jr.- Herrin Beverly & husband Curtis W. Brown- Springfield, MO Sisters in law: Jane Bione- Herrin Bonnie J. Curlee- Joliet, IL Joyce Woodward- Denham Springs, LA Doris D. Newsom- West Frankfort Twenty-two nieces & nephews Twenty-eight great nieces & nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother; Philip Bione, Jr., and one brother in law; Charles F. Newsom. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, December 24, 2001 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. Monsignor Ken Schaefer will officiate. Entombment will follow at San Carlo Cemetery in Herrin. The Herrin American Legion & VFW Posts will perform military honors at the graveside. Visitation will be held from 5-9:00 PM, Sunday, December 23, 2001 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. A prayer service will be recited at 5:00 P.M., Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to San Carlo Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home. This obituary may be viewed and memorial register signed at www.hughesfuneralhomes.com or thesouthern.com.