LaVerne Huston

Roy LaVerne Huston

"Buster"

Age 96 of Gardner, passed away Thursday January 21, 2010 at Morris Hospital.

Born May 22, 1913 in Braceville, Buster was a son of the late Russell and Rose Powell-Huston. He was raised and educated in the Braceville-Gardner area, and graduated from Gardner High School with the class of 1931. On November 25, 1939, Buster married Irene E. Hill in the United Lutheran Church in Gardner, and together they lived their entire married life in the Gardner area. Buster was a lifetime farmer in the area and was employed by UniRoyal at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant for more than eight years. He was a member of United Lutheran Church in Gardner, and charter member of both the Gardner Lions Club and Gardner Senior Citizens. He was honored as the oldest living male resident in Gardner at the 150th sesquicentennial celebration, and Buster was very well known for caning chairs and woodworking.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the services and care provided by Dr. Charles Comfort and the staff at Heritage Manor in Dwight, as well as Morris Hospital during Buster's illness.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years: Irene; five children: Barbara (Carl) Chandler of Columbia, South Carolina, James R. Huston of Gardner, Shirley (Keith) Kluge of Park Forest, Illinois, Gary L. (Connie) Huston of Fairbury and Karl (Karrin) Schaulin of Loveland, Ohio; fifteen grandchildren: Brad (Vicki) Wills, Tamara (Don) Brewer, Karrin (Chris) Hawkins, Lori Huffman, Wendi (Scott) Hatcher, Jamie (Jenny) Huston, Erik (Jessica) Huston, Matt (fiance' Audrey) Shipley, Jeanna (Brian) Matichak, Beth Malinis, Joel (Esther) Huston, Jeremy (Stephanie) Huston, Jon Huston, Kirsten (Kris) Brandenburg, Kraig (Julia) Schaulin; twenty-two great-grandchildren; one brother: Russell "Mike" (Helen) Huston of Braceville; one sister: Audrey Endrst of Coal City; three sisters-in law: Betty Huston of Morris, Jane Huston of Jacksonville, IL and Geraldine Huston of Joliet as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Buster was preceded in death by his parents; two grandsons: Kevin Kluge and Kyle Schaulin; daughter-in-law: Karen Huston; one sister: Rosellyn Huston and three brothers: William "Sam" Huston, Raymond Huston and Melvin "Spud" Huston.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Monday January 25, 2010 between the hours of 3:00PM and 7:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 203 Liberty Street in Gardner. Buster will then lie in state Tuesday January 26th at the United Lutheran Church, 309 E. Jefferson Street in Gardner, from 10:00am until time of funeral service 11:00am. Pastor Royan Rodney will officiate and burial will follow in Gardner Prairie Cemetery.

Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made as gifts in Buster's memory to the United Lutheran Church General fund, 309 East Jefferson Street, Gardner, Illinois 60424.

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

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Gardner. (815/237-2526)