Brad Lee Rendleman

     It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Brad Lee Rendleman, age 70 of Jonesboro, who died on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at his home. Brad was born to Lee Roy “Leepy” and Roberta Forrest “Bertie” Rendleman on May 29, 1953. He was raised and grew up in Wolf Lake, where his love of farming and hunting began as a youngster.

     Brad is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Susan (Schuster) Rendleman of Jonesboro. They met while attending Shawnee College and instantly became best friends and soul mates. They married August 3, 1991 at the First Baptist Church in Anna. Other survivors include his sister, Sandra Schuster Marion; nephews, Zack (Katie) Rendleman of Anna, Tyler (Bridget) Rendleman of Jackson, MO; nieces, Lacey Rendleman of Cape Girardeau, MO and Lex Vargas of Lexington, KY; great niece, Reece Rendleman; a host of close cousins; extended family members, Denise (Steve) Carpenter, Rhonda Chamness, Karen Sweitzer; all his Wolf Lake families; many dear friends, especially, Linda McCloud, Bob Holley, Janine (Jeff) Kelley and most importantly his fur babies, Sydney and Annie Rose.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and brother, Marc Dee Rendleman.

     Brad was a graduate of Shawnee High School and just celebrated his 50th year class reunion. He graduated Shawnee College and later Southern Illinois University with a degree in Agriculture Science.

     Brad’s life was a plethora of careers in many different areas and activities. At a young age, a love of hunting and farming was developed with his father while running a hunting club. The club was widely known for ducks and geese with a focus on waterfowl protection, establishing a chapter of Ducks Unlimited in Union County. Likewise, they were widely known for their farming and agriculture business, and always believing in helping others. He and Leepy established the Wolf Lake Fire Department where he served as Chief for 20 years. Brad also served on the Union County Rescue Squad.

     Brad was no stranger to hard work. He was a commercial fisherman, mail carrier, but his real life’s passion was established when he became the Health Inspector for Union County Southern 7 Health Department. This lead to his position as the Environmental Health Director for 25 years, serving the 7 most Southern Counties in Illinois. He was one of the first Licensed Environmental Health professionals in our area. He won Environmental Health Director for the State of Illinois twice as well as other numerous awards. Brad was known as a stickler for the rules and regulations but was always fair. Whether he was playing Santa Claus for local schools or being a Shriner clown, he was always serving others in our community. Currently he was serving as the Chairman of the Anna-Jonesboro Water Commission. Brad was fearless with his love and concern for protecting others which was instilled in him at a young age attending the Wolf Lake Methodist Church and later the Anna First Baptist Church with his wife Susan. He was also a member of the Anna Masonic Lodge #520 where he served as Worshipful Master and the Ainad Shrine Club.

     His words of wisdom as to how he lived his life come from Albert Einstein, “ I have reached an age where if someone tells me to wear socks, I don’t have to.” Whether you knew him as Brad, a man of faith, Uncle Bah, cousin, friend, Mr. Safety or Goombah, he will be sorely missed!!

     Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 22, 2023 at the Anna First Baptist Church with Pastors Lupe Lopez and Bill Littrell officiating. Interment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Friends may visit after 11:00 a.m. and until the service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 22, 2023 at the Anna First Baptist Church. Masonic rites will be conducted at the Jonesboro Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children or St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the Church and the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home.  

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