Edward L. Luton's Obituary
Decatur-Edward L. Luton, 81, of Decatur, passed away at 6:42 p.m. Thursday, January 27, 2011 with his family by his side.
Services to celebrate Ed's life will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at Temple Baptist Church, 1818 East Mound Road, with Pastor James Bosler officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7:30 p.m. Monday, January 31, 2011at the church. Interment with military honors will be in Fairlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Temple Baptist Church. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Ed was born September 9, 1929, in Cairo, Illinois, the son of Otis Wingo and Lorene Dobie (Castleman) Luton. He graduated from Mound City Community High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1948 to 1952. Three years of that time were spent in the Japan occupation. After he returned from service he worked at Houdaille Hershey for three years, at Borg Warner for six months, and was then hired in at Caterpillar in 1955. He retired in 1986 as Inspection Manager at Caterpillar's Pontiac Plant. He was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church, member of Caterpillar Retirees Club, life member of VFW Post 99, and a member of Korean War Veterans Post # 24. His hobbies were stained glass and woodworking, and he spent many, many hours making beautiful things for his family and friends. He married Mildred Eckhardt August 10, 1952. She preceded him in death October 26, 2003. He married Pauline Woolums June 19, 2005.
He leaves behind his wife Pauline, daughter Cynthia Luton of Springfield, brother-in-law Norman Tolly of Macon, nephews Richard Tolly and wife Bonnie of Mt. Zion and Dale Tolly and wife Karen of Decatur, grandniece Donna Blackwell and husband Jim of Forsyth, grandnephews Mike Tolly and wife Kim of Moweaqua, Don Tolly of Middleton, John Tolly and wife Jennifer of Mt. Zion, and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, sister-in-law Florence Tolly, and a special cousin and computer mentor Carolyn Luton Geittmann of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
He touched many lives with his kindness and compassion and will be greatly missed. He loved and appreciated his family and loved ones, his church family, and all his treasured friends who faithfully remembered him in prayer.
The family would like to thank each and every one for their prayers and many acts of kindness during this difficult time. We also would like to thank the hospice nurses for all their work. They made a heartbreaking time just a bit easier by their caring and compassion.
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