James W. Cullison

James W. Cullison, 81, of Deer Creek, Ill., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006, in Peoria, Ill.

He was born March 20, 1925, in Bronaugh, Mo., the son of Harry and Alla Evans Cullison. He married Geraldine McWilliams on May 25, 1947, in Girard, Kan. They later divorced. He married Mary Lenora Drehle on Feb. 14, 1964, in Harrisonville, Mo. She preceded him in death Jan. 25, 1990.

James was a World War II Army Veteran, and later worked at Caterpillar Inc., retiring in 1991. He was a member of United Auto Workers Local No. 974 in East Peoria, and the AMVETS in Tazewell County.

He is survived by two sons, Derill Cullison and his wife, Bonnie of Nevada, Mo., and David Cullison and his wife, Gloria of Moundville, Mo.; two stepsons, Richard Morris and his wife, Rhonda of East Peoria, Ill., and Larry Morris and his wife, Lynn, of Sedalia, Colo.; a stepdaughter, Donna Shumaker and her husband, Jay, of Chenoa, Ill.; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ralph Cullison and his wife, Glynnis of Moundville; and James' previous wife, Geraldine Cullison of Bronaugh. In addition to his wife Mary, he was preceded in death by a brother, Vance Cullison; two sisters, Peggy VanKirk and Maxine Hartley; and one great-grandchild.

Following cremation local graveside services will be officiated by the Rev. Steve MacArthur 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Large Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kan.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Expressions of sympathy may be e-mailed to expressions@konantzcheney.com.