Leland E. Large

Crab Orchard-Leland E. Large, 88, died 11:20 A.M. on Saturday, October 8, 2005 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion. He was born October 14, 1916 in a farmhouse near Owaneco, Illinois the only child to Richard Digby & Bertha Shuler Large. He married Ethel Dewhirst on August 20, 1947 in Kansas, Illinois. She survives in Carrier Mills. Leland attended Oakridge Country School, Owaneco Grade School and Taylorville High School. He proudly answered the call to serve his country by volunteering to serve in the United States Army. He served 4 years with the 20th Armored Division, driving and repairing tanks. He drove for the company commander. He worked several years for Allis Chalmers in Springfield and also for the State of IL Health Dept. Ethel taught school at Blue Mound while Leland attended Milikan University, after graduation he taught math at Franklin Jr. High School in Wheaton, Illinois for 25 years. He was an excellent teacher, raising the class score 2 years in ability in only one year. A few years after retiring he moved to rural Carrier Mills where he lived for 27 years. He was an excellent father and husband. He loved trains and enjoyed traveling and camping and exploring the western states for railroad history. He made annual camping trips for over 40 years to Winlock, Washington where he visited family and friends and later inherited property. He was a member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church where he was lay leader for a long time. He was very active in Methodist Men getting interesting programs for them. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #1301 of Marion. He also was a member of the Illinois Education Association and the National Education Association. Survivors Include: Wife: Ethel Large of Carrier Mills Four Daughters: Kathleen Brand & husband Ronald of Mt. Carmel, IL. Coralee Fowler of Walla Walla, WA. Constance Unzicker & husband Myron of St. Joseph, MO. Joyce Cnota & husband Thaddeus of Elgin, IL. 14 Grandchildren 5 Great Grandchildren with 2 more on the way He was preceded in death by his parents Memorial Services will 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, October 12th at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 2 miles north of Crab Orchard with Rev. Cecil Atchison officiating. Military rites will be conducted by VFW Post 1301 and American Legion Post 147 of Marion concluding the memorial services. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a visitation at the church on Wednesday from 10:30 A.M. until the time of memorial service. His cremains will be scattered on his ranch in Winlock, Washington. A place that he loved. Memorials may be made to the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. Memorial envelopes will be available at the church Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.