Willis R. Gholson

Willis R. Gholson, 89 of McLeansboro passed away 6:25 p.m Wednesday, March 14, 2001 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital. He was born January 13, 1912 in Walpole, the son of Lawrence Elmer & Ethel (Rhine) Gholson. He married Evelyn Jones of 60 years and she survives.

He was a graduate of McLeansboro High School, Southern Illinois University Carbondale (B.S.) and the University of Illinois (M.S.) He was an educator in Hamilton County for 37 years, including 20 years as Hamilton County Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Gholson was a member of Masonic Polk Lodge #137 of McLeansboro, a member of Illinois Retired Teachers Association and a member of McLeansboro 1st Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn two sons, Tom (wife Betty) Gholson, Crossville; Terry (wife Dottie) Gholson, Beardstown, 4 grandchildren, Dr. Travis Gholson, Norris City; Mr. Tracy Gholson, Crossville; Denise (Gholson) (husband Mike) Sloan, Beardstown and Sarah Gholson of Springfield, one great-grandchild, Hayden Sloan, Beardstown; one nephew, Mr. Larry Shipley & Family of Bonita, Calif. and many cousins in the area.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister, Josie (Gholson) Shipley.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 17 at 2:30 p.m. at Gholson Funeral Home with Rev. John Denham officiating. Burial was in I.O.O.F. Cemetery in McLeansboro. Visitation was 5 to 8 p.m Friday, March 16 at the Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro. Memorials may be made to the McLeansboro 1st Baptist Church in his memory.

(From the Times Leader, transcribed by James Gholson)