Lester E. Furlow

Marion- LESTER EUGENE FURLOW, age 95, of Marion, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at 12:15am on Thursday, May 6, 2010. He departed this life surrounded by his family at his home. Lester was born in Hurst on June 2, 1914, the son of Sylvanus and Bessie (Shelton) Furlow. He married Wardena Gray in Benton, Kentucky on November 11, 1939. Together they shared seventy years of marriage. Mr. Furlow was a member of the Arnold View Freewill Baptist Church. He worked as a coal miner, retiring from Old Ben Mine #4 in Zeigler and was a member of the United Mine Workers of America. After retiring in 1986, Lester enjoyed woodworking and made many special items for his family. He enjoyed playing his piano and harmonica for family and friends. Survivors include his wife- Wardena (Gray) Furlow of Marion, IL Son- Larry Eugene and Sharon Furlow of Dupo, IL Daughter- Adena Sue and Bob Jones of Marion, IL Son- Frederick Ray Furlow of Marion, IL Daughter- Lana Kay and Dale Mitchell of Nashville, TN Daughter- Diane and Gary Parks of Creal Springs, IL Thirteen Grandchildren- Stacey and Rick Littmann, Eric Furlow, Mark and Sara Furlow, Scott Jones, Susan Jones, Sendi and Quinn Laird, Sheri Jones, Doug and Jennifer Furlow, Christina and Louie Johnson, Darren and Judy Parks, Angi and H.A. Kelley, Courtney and Jason Chamness, Leah and William Booker Twenty-Nine Great Grandchildren Three Sisters- Irene Hicks of Marion, IL Wilma Loller of Carrier Mills, IL Genevieve Spiller of Marion, IL Several nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter- Carol Robinson, four brothers- Ed, Kerney, William and Virgil Furlow, and one sister- Melba Gray. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. Ivan Ryan officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Energy. Visitation will be held from 10:00am until time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital or the Shiners Childrens Hospital. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home; 800 N Market Street; Marion, IL 62959.