Loel Verble Jr.

Loel Verble, Jr., 94, of Anna, Illinois, died October 28, 2022, in Chesterfield, Missouri, surrounded by his family in his last days.Loel was born October 17, 1928, in Anna, the son of Loel and Agnes Ledbetter Verble.  He was married to Joyce Davis on December 11, 1948.  Joyce preceded him in death on March 7, 2014 after they had just celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary.

Loel is survived by two daughters, Charla Verble (Dennis) Edmonds of Lake St. Louis, MO, and Debbie (David) Treece of Gilman, IL; Grandchildren: David Edmonds of Manchester, MO, Laura (Shaun) Cox of Cottleville, MO, and Sarah (Brandon) Handy of Richardson, TX;  Great-Grandchildren: Jade Edmonds of Myakka City, FL,  Annabelle and Benjamin Cox of Cottleville, MO; one sister Jean Cauble of Ballwin, MO; and many close nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Loel was preceded in death by his wife Joyce; parents Loel and Agnes Verble; and two brothers, Carl Verble (and wife Jane Verble), and Don Verble (and wife Janet Verble). His brother-in-law Bill Cauble (husband of Jean Verble Cauble) also preceded him in death.

Loel was born and raised in Anna, IL.  He attended the Lincoln Grade School, Anna Jr. High, and graduated from AJCHS with the Class of 1946. After graduation, Loel worked with the State of Illinois in Chicago, IL; prior to serving with the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.

Upon discharge from active duty,  Loel enrolled in Southern Illinois University and completed his Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education.  After graduation, Loel was employed with the Illinois Youth Commission as a Youth Counselor.

In 1959 he was appointed the Principal of  Davie Elementary School in Anna for six years. In 1965 he became the Superintendent of Anna School District 37. In 1969 he also earned his PhD in Administration from SIU and was known to many in his career as Dr. Verble.

During his tenure as Superintendent, Loel was very active in the Illinois Association of School Administrators.  He served on the Board of Directors of the Association and in 1977 was elected President of the State of  Illinois Association of School Administrators.  Loel was privileged to serve on  both the State of Illinois and National Conference committees. From 1970 to 1985 he served on the Executive Committee of SIITA (Southern Illinois University television station). In Anna, Loel was an active member of the Kiwanis Club.

Loel was also a 50 year plus member of the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Anna. Loel served as both a Deacon and Elder as well as on other church committees. Loel was always friendly and interested in visiting with old friends and new acquaintances who quickly became new friends as well.  He was blessed to spend a lifetime of work and play and raising his family in the special little town of Anna, IL.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 5, 2022 at the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Anna with Rev. Dr. David Fischler officiating. Interment will be in the Anna Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard Military Honor Team. Friends may visit after 11:00 a.m. and until the service hour at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at the Church. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Anna.  Envelopes will be available at the church and the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home.