Stanley William Narusis

Stanley William Narusis, age 96, of Marion, passed away at 7:16pm on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at his home in Marion. Stanley, known to all as “Stan”, was born at home in West Frankfort, the son of Lithuanian immigrants, John and Constance Norusis.  He was proud of his heritage and frequently sang Lithuanian songs for his friends. His younger years were spent at St. John’s Grade School, and he graduated from Frankfort Community High School (FCHS), in 1940.  A young Stan helped his family by doing whatever odd jobs needed to be done, such as picking apples and berries, and husking corn.  At age 16, Stan joined the Civilian’s Military Training Camp (CMTC) at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis; after that, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and was sent to Big Piney, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. While there, the “CCC boys” built cattle trails, cut sagebrush, and fought a large forest fire.  If the temperature was under -30 degrees they didn’t have to work. Stan enlisted in the Army Air Corps on March 17, 1942, and was sent to the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater, where he spent his wartime service as a Morse Code radio operator.  He served with the 373^rd B-24 Squadron, 308^th Bomb Group, 14^th Air Force.  Those years comprised some of his most poignant memories. After the war, Stan attended, and graduated from, Southern Illinois University (SIU) in 1949, and received his J.D. from St. Louis University Law School in 1951. He practiced law in Chicago, where he met his wife, Ruth.  They married in Chicago and resided for a time in Crystal Lake, Illinois.  They and their three children later moved to Marion, where he continued to practice law, later opening his law office in Johnston City. Stan was active all throughout his adult life, volunteering in his church and his community.  After he retired in 2004, he continued to stay active.  He spent his remaining years with his beloved wife in their home in the country. Survivors include his:  Wife – Ruth Narusis of Marion, Son – John Narusis (Sherrie) of Dallas, Texas, Two daughters – Deborah Aguilar of Marion and Linda Ruoff of Bellerue, Nebraska, Five grandchildren – Matthew Hopkins, Nathaniel Hopkins, Heidi Ruoff, David Ruoff, Justin Narusis, Seven great grandchildren and Sister – Mary Ann Hanretty of Larkspur, California.  Preceded by his Parents, Brothers – John and Bernard Narusis and Sister – Helen Narusis. The funeral mass will be held at 10am on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion with Father Brian Barker officiating. Burial will follow at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in West Frankfort. Visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Pregnancy Matters or the Lighthouse Shelter.