Lonnie Dale Harvel

Lonnie Dale Harvel, 71, returned to his heavenly home on July 3, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. surrounded by his loving family. After a valiant battle with cancer, his devotion to his family, and firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. Lonnie was born on October 16, 1943 in Anna, Illinois. He was born to Helen Travis, and lovingly raised by Mary and William Harvel, and Floyd and Lodema Spurlock. He graduated from Anna-Jonesboro Community High School in 1962. He married Carolyn Merriman Harvel on March 8, 1963, she survives.Lonnie was a man of many achievements. He owned and operated Jonesboro Nursing Center along with several other facilities in the Anna-Jonesboro area. He was an excellent marksman and meticulous gunsmith. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Jonesboro Fire Department for 20 years, and a lifelong member of the Coalbelt Fire Protective Association of Southern Illinois. He served as a Union County Democrat Precinct Committeeman for many years up until his passing. He was a lifetime member of the Illinois Rifle Association, as well as the National Rifle Association. He was ordained as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro on November 13, 1988. He served the Lord and his church with an astounding faith. Lonnie enjoyed a good football game, boxing match, and loved nothing more than being on his farm. He was an avid outdoorsman, who loved hunting and fishing with all of his heart. Some of his best memories were taking his children and grandchildren hunting and fishing. He could do, fix, and work on just about anything he set his mind to. Whether it was building a house, which he did several times for himself and his children, or fixing a toy for one of his precious grandchildren, his work was absolutely perfect. His family could have not asked for a better patriarch and are so thankful for the memories they will have with them forever. "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard"-A.A. MilneHe leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife of 52 years, Carolyn; 3 children: Scott(Carla) Harvel of Jonesboro, IL, Lisa(Mitch) McRaven of Herrin, IL, and Richard(Pam) Harvel of Jonesboro,IL; 7 grandchildren: Jory(Melissa) McRaven, Brandon(Lacey) Harvel, Maci(Darrell) Hutson, Lauren(Davin) Hannuksela, Forrest, Nicholas, and Benjamin Harvel; 8 great grandchildren: Addyson, Jace, Jaeda and (soon to arrive)MckennaMcRaven; Peyton Harvel; Dax and Demie Hutson; Anniston Hannuksela; and 4 step grandchildren: Joseph and Alaina Morrison, and Hailey and Conner Whitis. Also surviving are two brothers, Lester(Christine) Dirden of Jonesboro, IL and Larry Dirden of Murphysboro, IL; special brother and sister-in-law, David(Judy) Johnson, and sister-in-law, Betty(Steve) Bellamy; lifelong friend, Larry Stewart, several nieces and nephews, and loving church family. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and a special aunt and uncle. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 7 at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro, with Brother Mike Turner and Brother Joe Aldridge officiating. Interment will follow at Jonesboro Cemetery. Visitiation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 6, at the funeral home.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Jonesboro or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home. Visitation Service Monday, July 6, 2015,5:00PM-8:00PM Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Homes 800 Public Square Jonesboro, IL 62952 Memorial/Funeral Service Tuesday, July 7, 2015,1:00PM Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Homes 800 Public Square Jonesboro, IL 62952 Cemetery Service Tuesday, July 7, 2015,2:00PM Jonesboro Cemetery Karraker Street Jonesboro, Illinois 62952