Loren Eugene Pinson

On Friday, February 27, 2004, Loren Eugene Pinson left this world and all its troubles to reunite with a host of loving family and friends who have gone on to be with the Lord. As a model Christian father and husband, he knew Heaven was his home and had longed to be there since the loss of his loving wife Jewell. Loren was born August 22, 1919 in Williamson County to the late Frank K. Pinson and Minnie (Ollis) Pinson and was their only child. Loren married December 25, 1943 to his long time sweetheart, Jewell Edna Montgomery, of Herrin, who preceded him in death in 1998. They had celebrated nearly fifty-five years together. Loren and Jewell have two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Sharon) Barnett and Mrs. James (Linda) Byassee, both of Marion. They loved their following grandchildren: Scott Brady Barnett, Timothy Grandall Barnett, Gloria Faith Barnett, Juliana Graciela Barnett & Jordan Patrick Barnett; Elizabeth Byassee- Shore, Amanda Byassee- Gott and Margaret Edmondson. Also cherished were great grandchildren, James Benjamin Shore, Peyton Grandall Barnett, James Michael Gott, Victoria Sylvania Shore and William Alexander Gott. For over forty-three years, Loren served in the Marion Unit #2 School District as teacher and administrator of Jefferson & McKinley Schools. He was active in parent teacher organizations and touched the lives of many children. Unknown to all but a few, Loren worked behind the scenes, buying shoes, clothing, food, and other necessities for little children and their families who needed a helping hand. He was a member of the National Education Association, the Illinois Principals association, Illinois Education Association, the Southern Illinois Schoolmasters Club and member of the Masonic Fellowship Lodge #89. Regarding his teaching, Loren stated, It has always been a rewarding profession as you can see the progress and achievements of your students. Some have become lawyers, doctors, hospital administrators, and successful homemakers. It is nice to see each one of them take their place in society as useful citizens. He said, Education offers a lot today. Do not sell your children short. They will rise to all future occasions and meet the social and economic challenges of the future. In his younger years, Loren was a high school athlete, setting a long-standing track record for Marion High School. He participated in school and community musicals. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman, enjoying camping with his family. Loren loved animals and has had many pet friends whom we know are waiting for him on the other side. Music was and is the backbone of the Pinson family. Loren and Jewell instilled the love of music in their daughters at an early age. They loved singing together at church, harmonizing in the car, at home and in musical productions. Loren woke up whistling a tune every day and entered Heavens gate as family joined hands and sang his favorite hymns. Loren was a long-time and faithful member of Warder Street Baptist Church in Marion, serving in many capacities throughout his life. He especially loved music and served as song leader and taught the older gentlemans Sunday School Class for many years. An excellent caregiver, Loren stood by his widowed mother for over fifty years. He was constant companion to his wife, Jewell who suffered greatly from rheumatoid arthritis. Loren went about his business in a matter-of-fact way, never complaining- being the rock of the family unit. He was a wonderful Christian father and role model for his family and the community. Loren was one of the first members of the Addus Evergreen Club and attended everyday for the last year and a half where he was a cherished member. Loren also leaves behind numerous relatives who are members of the Pinson, Ollis, and Montgomery families. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, especially his best friend, Prince, whom he leaves behind. Visitation will be at the Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion from 4-8:00 PM, Sunday, February 29, 2004, Masonic Rites will be held at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be Monday, March 1, 2004 at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery in Marion. Pastor Joey Brent will officiate. Memorial donations are suggested to Marion Unit #2 Foundation (c/o Jane Stiritz, Jefferson School, Marion, Illinois and/or C.A.R.E. (Community Animal & Rescue Education) (c/o P.O. Box 313 Carterville, Illinois 62918 and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.