John "Jack" Backer

John “Jack” Backer, 86, of Cantrall died at 4:55 p.m. Sunday, September 12, 2004 at St. John’s Hospital Hospice. Jack was born June 4, 1918 in Broken Bow, NE, the son of John and Iona Cane Backer. He married Dorothy Lord in 1946 in Freeport, IL. Jack was a WWII U.S. Army Veteran having served in the European Theater. He was a member and Elder Emeritus of the First Christian Church, member of Golden (K) Kiwanis and Charter member of Memorial Medical Center Red Coats. He retired from Friendly Chevrolet where he had been employed as a Service Technician. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters. He is survived by his wife: Dorothy Backer of Cantrall, daughter: Beth Ann Backer of Springfield, brother: Charles (wife, Lois) of Tekamah, NE, sisters: Doris (husband, Harold) Coonrod of Seward, NE, Ruth (husband, Maynard) Meyers of Plymouth, NE and several nieces and nephews. Cremation will be accorded by Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. The family will receive friends for a memorial gathering from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, at First Christian Church, 700 S. 6th St. Springfield with Rev. Rick Irwin, officiating. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 16, 2004 at Camp Butler National Cemetery with Rev. Rick Irwin officiating and the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County conducting military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 700 S. 6th St. Springfield. The family of John “Jack” Backer is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.