Lester Dale "Joe" Sidwell's Obituary
Decatur- Lester 'Joe' Dale Sidwell, 95, of Decatur formerly of Brownstown passed away at 12:55 am on Friday, August 26, 2011 in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Lester was born on February 27, 1916 in Brownstown the son of Lyman and Lura (Darnell) Sidwell. As a young man, he worked with his brothers operating sawmills and later joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. He joined the U.S. Army in November 1941, a month prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was an infantryman with the 41st Infantry Div. seeing considerable action in New Guinea, the southern Philippines, and Papuan. He served with distinction and was awarded three Bronze Stars, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and good conduct ribbon along with unit citations. He was honorably discharged in 1944 at the rank of Tech. Sergeant. He worked for Caterpillar 27 years, first in Peoria, then Joliet, and finally in Decatur. He was a life-long Chicago Cubs fan and baseball fan in general, known in later years to have two televisions side by side in order to catch games being played at the same time.
He is survived by his brother, Robert Sidwell (Suzanne) of Lakeland, FL; sisters, Betty Allen of Brownstown; and Margaret Williams of Peoria; 25 nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and nephews, and many great-great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and five brothers.
Visitation will be 2:00 ' 4:00 pm Sunday, August, 28, 2011 in Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 29, 2011 in Claggett Funeral Home, Brownstown with visitation one hour prior to service. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery, Brownstown. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.
The family of Lester Dale Sidwell is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. View the on line obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Lester?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lester?
Share a story where Lester's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lester you’ll never forget.
How did Lester make you smile?