Sullens, B.

Family/Spouse: Branche, S.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

D.D. married LYNN, Shirley Ann. Shirley (daughter of Lynn, Bill and ?, Marie) was born on 15 Apr 1945 in Flora, Clay County, Illinois; died on 15 Aug 2023. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: LYNN.S

Notes:

Shirley Ann Sullens Obituary

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Shirley Ann Sullens of Lakeland, Florida, born in Flora, Illinois, who passed away on August 15, 2023, at the age of 78, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Shirley Ann Sullens to show support.

She was predeceased by : her parents, Bill Lynn and Marie Lynn; and her siblings, Doris Harrison and Bryan Higgason. She is survived by : her husband Donald Sullens (Doc); her children, Steve Sullens (Staci), Barbara Branche (Steve), John Sullens (Rusty) and Becky Brown (Jeff); her grandchildren, Josh Sullens, Sean Sullens, Matthew Estheimer, Rebekah Kiser, Ray Sullens, Tyler Sullens, Cheyenne Vito, Caleb Brown and Savannah Brown; and her brother Hap Higgason of Texas. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren.

However, in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or your local Hospice Center.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Truck Driver, Night Watchman, Farmer
• Reference Number: SULL.H001
• _FGRAVE: 23444595
• Military Service: World War II, Sergeant, Company F, 115th Infantry Regiment, 29th ‘Blue and Gray’ Infantry Division, United States Army
• Census: 20 Mar 1950, Clay City, Clay County, Illinois; 1950 United States Federal Census, Clay City, Illinois, District 13-3, Sheet 15
• Funeral: 11 Dec 2007, Summers-Kistler Funeral Home, Flora, Clay County, Illinois

Notes:

Herman Elmer Sullens, age 92, of Clay City, died at 8:05 p.m., Saturday, December 8, 2007, at Clay County Hospital.

He was born February 27, 1915, in Clay City, the son of John and Sophia (Cailteux) Sullens. He married Evelyn Bricker on September 25, 1937. She preceded him in death on January 29, 2006.

He owned a trucking business and hauled the Clay City basketball team to Ingraham in 1936 for $2.70. He hauled eggs and wire to the Clay City store and once pulled a bread truck out of the mud for fifty cents. He was also night watchman at the Big Four plant until he started a painting company painting oil field tanks until he retired. Several of his grandchildren helped him in that business.

He was a World War II veteran and was reported missing in action for several days. He received the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WWII Medal, three Bronze Stars, two Overseas Service Bars, Good Conduct Medal, and Victory Medal.

He was discharged from the service and rode a greyhound bus to Clay City and had to walk to his home with his duffle bag on his back--very thankful to be home safe. He always gave God the praise for keeping him safe.

He started a one-man band in 1968 and enjoyed going to nursing homes and playing his music. He was a family man who looked forward to each new day, and enjoyed working in his garden with his fruit trees.

He was a member of the Clay City Community Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Norma and Delbert Payne of Sailor Springs, and Betty and Ira Simmons of Clay City; three sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and Shirley Sullens of Lakeview, Florida, Tom and Myrna Sullens of Carthage, Texas, and David and Cathy Sullens of Kilgore, Texas; 17 grandchildren, Dean Payne of Sumner, Linda Norris of Sailor Springs, Albert Payne of Sailor Springs, Brenda Lynn of Clay City, Donna Stanley of Clay City, Wendell Simmons of Clay City, Diane Gill of Clay City, Steve Sullens of Florida, Rusty Sullens of Florida, Barbara Brance of Indiana, Rebecca Brown of Florida, John Sullens of Texas, Keith Sullens of Texas, Christiana Pritchett of Texas, James Sullens of Clay City, Dawn Epps of Texas, and Michael Sullens of Texas; one cousin, Leone Taylor, one sister-in-law, Lois of California; 37 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, one niece, and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one son, John, one sister Geneva, and two brothers, John and Merlin.

Funeral services were held today (Tuesday, December 11) at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Clay City with Brother Jimmy Thomas officiating. Burial, with full military honors performed by the Clay City veterans organizations, was in the Clay City Cemetery.

Military Service:
Entered active service as a draftee on January 26, 1944 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. Selected for the Infantry, completed basic training, and qualified in the military occupational specialty of Rifleman (MOS 745). Departed the Continental U.S. on August 17, 1944 bound for the European Theater of Operations. Assigned to and fought with Company F, 115th Infantry Regiment, 29th 'Blue And Gray' Infantry Division, in the Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe Campaigns. Reported missing in action for several days, but returned to his unit. Honorably discharged as a Sergeant on October 21, 1945 at the Separation Center, Fort Sheridan. Earned the Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 bronze battle stars, and the WWII Victory Medal.

This information has been posted on the National World War II Memorial's Registry of Remembrances website by Robert Medley Gatewood. It is entered here with his permission.

Source: https://wwiiregistry.abmc.gov/honoree-plaque/?honoree_id=2279046

Buried:
Lot 7 - 2 Add - Row 10

Herman married Bricker, Evelyn Gladys. Evelyn (daughter of Bricker, Jerry Elias and Pettyjohn, Mary E.) was born on 14 Oct 1919 in Clay County, Illinois; died on 29 Dec 2006 in Richland County Memorial Hospital, Olney, Richland County, Illinois; was buried on 31 Jan 2006 in Clay City Cemetery, Clay City, Clay County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Homemaker
• Reference Number: BRIC.E001
• _FGRAVE: 18083481
• Funeral: 31 Jan 2006, Summers-Kistler Funeral Home, Clay City, Clay County, Illinois

Notes:

Evelyn G. Sullens died at Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney, IL. She had fell and broke her hip on Friday and passed away Sunday morning.

Evelyn was born in Clay County to Jerry & Mary Pettyjohn Bricker. She was married to Herman Sullens on September 25, 1937. They were married for 68 years.

She was a homemaker. She was also a member of Community Southern Baptist Church in Clay City. Her hobbies included baking pies, taking pictures, sewing and she enjoyed her family greatly. She taught Sunday School for over 40 years.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Norma and Delbert Payne of Sailor Springs, and Betty and Ira Simmons of Clay City; three sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and Shirley Sullens of Lakeview, Florida, Tom and Myrna Sullens of Carthage, Texas, and David and Cathy Sullens of Kilgore, Texas; brother Harold Bricker of Clay City; grandchildren, Dean Payne of Sumner, Linda Norris of Sailor Springs, Albert Payne of Sailor Springs, Brenda Lynn of Clay City, Donna Stanley of Clay City, Wendell Simmons of Clay City, Diane Gill of Clay City, Steve Sullens of Florida, Rusty Sullens of Florida, Barbara Brance of Indiana, Rebecca Brown of Florida, John Sullens of Texas, Keith Sullens of Texas, Christiana Pritchett of Texas, James Sullens of Clay City, Dawn Epps of Texas, and Michael Sullens of Texas; 30 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchildren.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, son John Sullens, and brothers Kenneth & Ivan and a sister Helen Smith.

Services were Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at Summers Kistler Funeral Home in Clay City, with burial in the Clay City Cemetery in Clay City. Brother Jim Thomas officiated.
Memorials were made to Community Southern Baptist Church in Clay City.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: LYNN.B

Bill married ?, Marie. Marie died before 15 Aug 2023. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: UNK.M553

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: SULL.J002
• _FGRAVE: 24145903

John married Cailteux, Sophie Caroline on 23 Aug 1914 in Sailor Springs, Clay County, Illinois. Sophie (daughter of Cailteux, Francois Emile and Rabideau, Josephine Julia) was born on 21 Dec 1897 in Clifton, Iroquois County, Illinois; died on 8 Mar 2005 in Flora Healthcare Center, Flora, Clay County, Illinois; was buried in Clay City Cemetery, Clay City, Clay County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: CAIL.S001
• _FGRAVE: 18083532
• Funeral: Summers-Kistler Funeral Home, Clay City, Clay County, Illinois

Notes:

Sophia Caroline Wilfong, 107, of Clay City died in Flora Healthcare Center. Services will be at Summers/Kistler Funeral home with Jimmie Thomas officiating. Visitation will be one hour before services. Burial in Clay City Cemetery.

Mrs. Wilfong was born Dec. 21, 1897, in Clifton, the daughter of Emile and Josephine Rabideau Cailteux. She was a homemaker and member of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed her family and life in general. Whe was always willing to volunteer at the Golden Circle Nutrition Program, which she enjoyed very much.

She married John Sullens August 23, 1914, in Sailor Springs. He preceded her in death in 1941. She later married Forrest Wilfong who died in 1970.

Surviving are her sons, Herman Sullens and wife Evelyn; Merlin and wife Vivian;

She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; daughter, Geneva; son, John; brothers George, Frank, Henry, John, Harry, and Earl; sister, Rosa; and grandson John.

Buried:
Lot 1 - Div 3 - Blk. 36

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Reference Number: BRIC.J001
• _FGRAVE: 24075030

Notes:

Jerry Elias Bricker was born December 25, 1881, in Wayne County, IL, the son of Conrode & Lucinda Bricker. He departed this life on June 4, 1964 at the age of 82 years, 5 months, & 9 months.

He was united in marriage on Jan. 17, 1916 to Mary E. Pettyjohn. To this union six children were born: two sons, Kenneth & Ivan, preceded him in death,, the former while serving his country in World War II.

He is survived by his wife & four children: Mrs. Herman (Evelyn) Sullens, Roy, Mrs. Howard (Helen) Smith, & Harold Bricker.

He spent most of his life in and around Clay County. He was a loving companion and father.

Jerry married Pettyjohn, Mary E. on 17 Jan 1916 in Clay City, Clay County, Illinois. Mary (daughter of Pettyjohn, Edward Joseph and Walburn, Alice Elizabeth) was born on 8 Jan 1897 in Clay County, Illinois; died on 23 Dec 1981 in Clay City, Clay County, Illinois; was buried on 27 Dec 1981 in Clay City Cemetery, Clay City, Clay County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: PETT.M001
• _FGRAVE: 24075041

Notes:

Mary E. Bricker, 84, Clay City, was found dead in her home at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

She was born in January 8, 1897 in Clay County, IL, daughter of Joseph & Alice Wolbourn Pettyjohn. She married Jerry E. Bricker in Clay City in 1917 & he preceded her in death June 4, 1964.

Survivors include two sons, Roy & Harold; a daughter Evelyn Sullens; 18 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons, a daughter, five brothers, three sisters, two grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Census:
The 1920 census lists Mary as the daughter of Jerry. She was his wife, not his daughter.

Buried:
Lot 5, 1 Add, Row 3

Notes:

Married:
Jerry's obituary says they were married on January 17, 1916, Mary's obituary says they were married in 1917.