John W. Maddox

John W. Maddox, 89, of Palestine, IL, died at 2:11 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at Arbor Rose of Robinson. He was born on July 1, 1929 in Palestine, IL, the son of Napoleon Maddox & Mattie (Cook) Maddox, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Mary Ellen Sturm on July 17, 1948 and she preceded him in death on February 3, 2001. He was also preceded in death by his son, John Maddox, Jr.; by his grandson, Nicholas Maddox; and by his sisters, Jane Adams and Ruth Lankston. He is survived by his son, Alan Maddox & fiancée Marcia Elder (Robinson, IL); by his grandchildren, Stephen & Tricia Maddox, Kristi & Jason Knox, as well as 5 great-grandchildren. John grew up in the Heathsville area, and was a graduate from Palestine High School. He worked for the telephone company and the ice house before getting on at CIPS, where he worked for 37 years before retiring in July 1, 1990. Away from work, he never let dust settle and always stayed busy. He was a longtime and active member of the Palestine First Christian Church, where he served as an elder. He was also highly involved with the Palestine Lion’s Club as well as the Palestine Masonic Lodge #849, with whom he was a 50+ year member. Friends and family will always remember John as a warm, likeable soul who wasn’t afraid to put in the time or energy to do something well. His community has been enriched by his involvement and his loved ones are the beneficiaries of his kind, gentle nature. He could never be forgotten. A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. The Palestine Masonic Lodge #849 will conduct a Masonic service at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, with a funeral service conducted by Celebrant Curt Goodwine to follow. Burial will be in the Palestine Cemetery. Memorials may be made to “Shriner’s Hospital for Children”, with envelopes available at the funeral home. Family and friends are also invited to bring unused glasses to John’s service, to be donated in honor of his involvement in the Lion’s Club.