Francis E. ''Eli'' Whitley

Francis E. “Eli” Whitley, 85, of Springfield, passed away at 4:00 a.m. Monday, November 26, 2001 at his residence. Francis was born September 25, 1916 the son of Homer and Mary Helen Buckholtz Whitley in Jerseyville, IL. He married Mildred Mitzel February 16, 1946 in Jerseyville. Mr. Whitley worked for International Shoe Company for 18 years. He later worked for Jerome Robinson Insurance Company for 3 years and later was the office manager for Harper Oil Company for 12 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph Men’s Club and the Eagles Club. He served in the Army Air Corp during WWII as a Staff Sergeant from 1941-1945 as a Radio Operator. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son: James Whitley; one brother: Louis Whitley and one sister: Virginia Emery. He is survived by his wife: Mildred of Springfield; two sons: Charles (wife, Kathy) of Ann Arbor, MI, Donald (wife, Elizabeth) Whitley of Kneeland, CA; three daughters: Barbara Burris of Springfield, Mary (husband, Charles) Luckey of Springfield, Theresa (husband, Keith) Baker of Leavenworth, KS, and one sister: Lolamae Whitley of Springfield. Friends may call at St. Joseph Catholic Church from 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2001. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Reverend Donald Nolan C.S.V. celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. The family of Francis E. “Eli” Whitley is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.