John Dite, Sr

John William Dite, Sr.

Age 89 and a lifelong resident of Coal City, passed away Thursday December 9, 2010 at Morris Hospital.

Born December 5, 1921 in Coal City, John was a son of the late Emil and Anna Novy-Dite. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in both the European and Pacific Theaters of Operations and was a Purple Heart recipient. On August 5, 1944 John married Maxine Catherine Sowers in Gardner and she preceded him in death in 1999. He was retired from A.P. Green and can be remembered for his meticulous yard and enjoyment of Gardening. John was a avid Chicago Cubs fan, loved sports, and was very involved playing softball for many years. John was a true family man and cherished the time spent with his family.

Survivors include his two children: Bonnie (the late Allen) Scott and John W. Dite, Jr., both of Coal City; five grandchildren: Lisa (Michael) Kelly of Carlinville, Illinois, Jennifer (Anthony) Pennington of Fairfield, Illinois, Jason (Joyce) Scott of Plainfield, Kevin (Kim) Scott of Indianapolis, Indiana and Chance Dite of Pasadena, California; eight great grandchildren: Elizabeth and Kathleen Kelly, Kayla and Ally Pennington, Blake and Christian Scott and Evan and Lela Scott; sisters-in-law: Betty Huston, Lorraine Brockman, Dorothy Muzzarelli, Becky Sowers and Marsha Sowers all of Gardner and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife Maxine; sister Dorothy Turk and son-in-law Allen Scott.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Monday December 13, 2010 from 9:00AM until time of funeral service 11:00AM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Pastor Ron Taylor from Island City Baptist Church will officiate and burial with military honors will follow in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in John's memory to: The Arthritis Foundation of Greater Illinois: 2621 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61604-3623.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815/634-2125)