Carrol Jean Statler Obituary (1925 - 2020)

Carrol Jean Statler, 95, of Kempton, IL. passed away Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 2:10 pm. Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Calvert and Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac is in charge of the arrangements. Carrol was born June 20, 1925 in Cape Girardeau, MO, the son of Anthony and Eula (Cook) Statler. He married Evelyn Bierschwal on December 14, 1944 in Shreveport, LA. They celebrated their 75 year anniversary in 2019. She survives. He is also survived by his four children: Connie (Duane) Hitchens of Piper City, Carrol Bruce (Jennifer) Statler of Dwight, Kim (Ray Anderson) Knox of Williamsville, and Greg Statler of Cullom; grandchildren: Kelsey (Andrew) Freeland of Cantrall, Olivia Statler of Greenfield, IN., Wyatt Carrol Statler and Jack Statler of Dwight; great-grandchildren: Ayden, Audrey and Ashton Freeland; one sister: Helen Yount; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Dorothy Peetz and Edna Burchyett, and a grandson Kyle Knox. Carrol served as a Bombardier on a B26 in the Army Air Force in World War II. He was a disabled veteran and a purple heart recipient. He was a graduate of South East Missouri State in Cape Girardeau. At Tri-Point High School, he taught Industrial Arts and Driver's Education for many years. He was the mayor of Kempton for many years. He was a member of the Kempton United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Ford County Planning Commission and Zoning Commission. Besides spending time with his family, Carrol was an avid woodworker. He made trains, birdfeeders, hearts, tulips, recipe holders, etc. to give away in the community. Memorials in Carrol's name can be made to Disabled American Veterans Foundation at www.DAV.org