Crail Family Reunion - Charleston, IL

07/03/2023

It's been a tough 5 months for me and I'm sorry to pass on more bad news. My dad, Loren Butler, passed away a few days ago from congestive heart failure. Now both my parents are gone and I just can't believe it. Please hug and love those close by. You just never know when it will be your last.

Everett Loren Butler, 87, of Troy, IL passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL. Loren was born on December 14,1935, in Charleston, IL to Everett and Dorothy Butler (nee Crail). He was the loving husband of the late Mary Kay Kellim-Butler.

As a teenager Loren became an Eagle Scout and was a graduate of Charleston High School where he played football and became known to his teammates as "Monk". As a young man Loren was in the Army and stationed in Frankfort, Germany. After his time in the service, and for the remainder of his working life, Loren became a merchandiser/buyer for the produce industry. He worked for several companies and at one time started his own produce business.

In the early 70's, while living in Houston, Loren volunteered his time as a Cub Scout pack master. He also coached kids in baseball and football at the local Oaks Dad's Club. During this time, he learned of the Shriner's Hospital for crippled children and the amazing things they provide children and their families, so he became a Shiner and a member of the Masonic Order. He continued to be involved in various areas of the Masons; Past Master of Lebanon Masonic Lodge #110, Knights Templar, Eastern Star, and White Shrine. Also, during the 70's, and on, he was a mentor for the local Demolay chapter as each of his sons went through this leadership program.

Loren loved animals and 'tinkering' in his woodshop. He always kept busy and could never sit still. And no matter where Loren lived, he was an avid Cubs and Bears fan.

Loren is survived by his five children, Doug (Betty) Butler of Sarasota, FL, Lisa Butler of Tolono, IL, Robert Gray of Rosenberg, TX, David (Kathy) Butler of Bellevue, NE, Christopher (Ashley) Butler of Troy, IL; two siblings, Jackie Reeley of Sun City, AZ, Ben (Sally) Butler of Ely, MN; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and dear friends, Angel and Kallie Velazquez; Wes Tillson.

Loren was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Carrol Lynn Butler (nee Ligon).

A memorial service will be held on July 22 at Schildknect Funeral Home, O’Fallon, with visitation from 1-3pm and funeral services immediately following.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital; https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/.

Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home, 301 S. Lincoln, O’Fallon, IL.

02/03/2023

This is Lisa and I’m having difficulty writing this post. My mother Wilma passed away unexpectedly after suffering a stroke. She was loved by everyone in the Crail family and was truly accepted as a Crail in every sense of the word.

TOLONO - Wilma Ruth England, 84, of Tolono passed away with her family by her side on Tuesday (Jan. 31, 2023) at 7 p.m. at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Wilma was born on Dec. 28, 1938, in Oakland, the daughter of Virgil and Carrie (Hout) Trader. She married Jim England on May 14, 1992, in Mansfield.

Wilma is survived by her husband, Jim of Tolono; son, Doug (Betty) Butler of Sarasota, Fla.; daughter, Lisa Butler of Tolono; stepdaughter, Shari (Michael) Upton of Mattoon; grandchildren, Jamie (Heather) Caldwell of Sarasota, Kyle Butler of Sarasota and Barry Caldwell of Delaware, Ohio; stepgrandchildren, Nathan Upton and Sara Upton, both of Mattoon; great-grandchildren, Skylar Caldwell of Sarasota and Jay Lyndsey and Joseph Caldwell of Delaware, Ohio; stepgreat-grandsons, Grayson and Jakobi of Mattoon; and sister, Garnett (John) Grissom of Decatur.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Sherman Trader; and sister, Mary Thomason.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Wilma was known for her great sense of humor. She enjoyed gardening, crafts and puzzles, as well as spending time with her family and friends. She especially loved to cuddle with her granddog, Ollie. Wilma was a believer in God and was a member of Faith Baptist Church of Champaign. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be on Feb. 4 at 12:30 p.m. at Freese Funeral Home, Tolono. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign, immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family for funeral expenses. Condolences may be made at freesefh.com.

01/30/2022

For those of you who could not make today’s memorial service for Jack Way, here is the link to a copy of the live feed.

https://www.facebook.com/cara.karolewiczway/videos/495787135220846/

12/31/2021

Sad news that we’ve lost another member of our Crail family. Please keep Jack’s family in your prayers.

Paul Jackson Way Sr.
Aug 9, 1933 - Dec 9, 2021

Paul Jackson Way, Sr, 88, of Cary, formerly of Burlington, IL, passed away at Three Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care in Cary with his family at his side on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021.

He was born Aug. 9, 1933, in Charleston, IL, the son of George and Mary (Crail) Way. He served in the US Air Force and then graduated from Eastern Illinois University on the GI Bill. He married Charlene Miller on Feb. 24, 1953 in Charleston, and they lived there before moving to Burlington, where they raised their family. Paul was a schoolteacher at Central School District #301, spending most of his years at Central High School, where he taught PE, Civics, Economics, History, and Driver’s Ed and also coached baseball, basketball, football, and volleyball, before finishing his career teaching PE at the District #301 elementary schools. He was known for his distinctive whistle in the hallways, and he treasured his 33 years of teaching, eventually teaching the grandkids of some of his early students. He had told his kids that if God were to send him back to live life again, he’d only do it if he could be a teacher again. Paul loved traveling and camping across the USA with his family and spent many winters in Gulf Shores, AL with Charlene after retirement. An avid golfer, Paul golfed until the age of 86. He was a member of the Burlington United Methodist Church.

Paul is survived by his children, P. Jack (Valerie) Way, Jr. of Lake Mills, WI, Randall (Debbie) Way of Hampshire, Greg (Terresa) Way of Sycamore, Chris (Sue) Way of McHenry, and Angela (JJ Porterfield) Way of Chicago; 19 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Charlene on Jan. 24, 2019; two brothers, Robert Way and James Way; and a sister, Catherine Hamilton.

The family would like to thank the staff at Three Oaks as well as Transitions Hospice for the exceptional, loving care they provided to Paul.

Memorial Services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, Jan. 29 at the Burlington United Methodist Church (corner of Center and South Streets) in Burlington.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 28 from 4 to 8 PM at the church and will continue Saturday prior to services from 10 to 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Paul Jackson Way, Sr. Memorial, c/o PO Box 445, Hampshire, IL 60140.

08/24/2021

I would like to reach out to Beverly Boaz Edwards (daughter of Bill and Martha Boaz) with condolences from the Crail family on the loss of her husband, Lester Edwards. He will be dearly missed.

Lester D. Edwards
(February 5, 1944 – August 20, 2021)

Lester Dale “Bub” Edwards went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 20, 2021 at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 26, 2021 in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL with Rev. Mark Sanders and Rev. Jared Bouton officiating. Visitation will be from 4:30-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 25, 2021 in the funeral home. The family asks that everyone respects their wishes of wearing masks and social distancing. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL.

Les was born on February 5, 1944 in Champaign, IL to Ted and Lola (Williams) Edwards. He attended Shelbyville schools, graduating in 1962. He continued his education at Eastern Illinois University, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Upon graduation he taught 6th grade at Humboldt School for a 20 year period. He furthered his education, obtaining a Master’s degree at EIU, and became principal of Humboldt School. In 2003 he was honored to become the first principal of Williams Elementary School in Mattoon. Upon his retirement from the Mattoon School District in 2005, he returned to Eastern Illinois University where he served as a Student Teacher Coordinator.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly (Boaz) Edwards, his daughter, Jill Conyers, and son-in-law, Ken Williamson. Also surviving are three granddaughters, Emaline, Grace, and Ella Conyers, one sister, Carol (John) Armstrong and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Carmen Williamson.

Moving back to Shelbyville in 2007 allowed him the opportunity to entertain through music and storytelling in schools, country opries, and nursing homes. As a member of the Shelby Christian Church Praise Team, he enjoyed sharing the love and saving grace of Jesus with others.

Les enjoyed having coffee with friends on the front porch of their country home, wintering in Florida, showing his antique cars at Vintage Chevrolet Club of America car shows, and gatherings with family and friends.

Memorials honoring Les can be made to the Williams Elementary School Library in Mattoon, IL, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and mailed to Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, 415 N. Broadway, Shelbyville, IL 62565.

08/05/2021

Sadly we have lost another member of the Crail family, Sylvia, wife of Bill Crail has passed away. On behalf of the family I would like to extend our prayers and love to Bill during this difficult time.

Sylvia Irene Crail, 78, of Onalaska, passed away on Monday, August 2, 2021 in her home. She was born on April 18, 1943 in Norwich Norfolk, England to Charles and Ellen Reynolds. She married William Crail on June 4, 2005.

Sylvia is survived by her husband William, a son Jerry (Kay) Fjerstad, three daughters, Suzanne (Todd) Holmes, Michelle (Garrett) Fjerstad, and Angela (Zach) Fjerstad, seven grandchildren, Matt Dessner, Christine Lawsen, Nicole Sorensen, Katie Sorensen, Scarlett Laures, Foster Laures, and Asley Akin, numerous great-grandchildren, a brother Trevor (Eileen) Reynolds, and a step-brother John Autilio.

A private family service will be held at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of Onalaska. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.

11/26/2020

I wanted to wish all of my extended family a safe and happy holiday. Please remember that as difficult as this year has been, there will be times again when we can all gather, exchange hugs and reminisce.

For this year, let’s post a favorite Thanksgiving or family memory that is special to you.

Here’s mine:

I always loved watching my Grandma Butler (Dorothy Crail) making noodles on her Formica kitchen table. When she was done cutting the strips she would take the scraps and sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar, roll them up and bake them in the oven. We would then get our own mini cinnamon rolls!

Many blessings to all of you! With love, Lisa Butler

09/27/2020

I’d like to share some good news today. Congratulations to Faye Eitel for receiving the Woman of the Year award!! Here is the post from her niece, Jacqueline Gordon, with all the exciting details:

Congratulations 🎉 to my Aunt Faye for receiving “Woman of the Year” award! 😍 I cant think of a more deserving person for this. She has touched so many lives. My Aunt gives of her time, touch, talents or treasures with everyone. She makes & delivers meals for the elderly; hosts karaoke at the nursing homes, visits shut ins, plays the piano for her church, and never forgets a birthday! No task too big or small! She loves to sing 🎤, ride horses 🐎, rides 4 wheelers, travels & lives life to the fullest! But most of all she has been the backbone for the Linton family (which is no small task) she loves each & everyone of us unconditionally. Her smile & laughter lights up the room. We are beyond blessed to call her our Aunt and friend ❤️ We cant forget her wonderful husband, our Uncle Steve who endlessly gives of himself as well.

08/23/2020

Our condolences to Jim and Toni on the loss of their father, Jim McNutt. We will miss his smiling face and warm hugs. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

CHARLESTON – James Lee McNutt, Sr., age 77 of Boonville, Missouri and formerly of Charleston, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on August 13, 2020. His loving family will host a visitation at Adams Funeral Chapel on Sunday, August 30, 2020 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. with a time of sharing led by Pastor Jerry Sweeney at 3:00. The family is asking that masks be worn by those attending. Memorials in his honor may be made to the Alzheimers Association and left at the visitation or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.

07/06/2020

The Crail family will miss this dear lady, Bill & Martha Boaz’s daughter Yvette. Her sister, Cheryl posted this on FB:

“At 5:18 this morning (July 3rd) my sister, Yvette Brown, entered her heavenly home. While our hearts are heavy, we are at peace in knowing that she is no longer in pain. She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer on June 15th. We had no idea her journey home would be so quick. Please keep our family in your prayers.”

You can find the details of her service at HSCKFH.com

05/09/2020

Hi everyone - This will probably be no surprise to you but due to COVID-19 I have decided to cancel this year’s reunion. I was holding out hope things would be better, however to risk someone’s health/life it’s just not worth it.

I had considered moving the reunion to later in year. Because things change from state to state and areas continue to have new outbreaks I feel this is not a good option.

We will have the reunion next year, the second Saturday in June, which will be June 12, 2021. Let’s pray this virus will be under control by then.

Please keep everyone safe and healthy during these difficult times. With the year we’ve had we should realize even more so how important family is and that alone is reason enough to get together and celebrate. ❤️

And to end on a lighter note, although a very important one:

Just think, this will give you an entire year to let your extended family know when the reunion is! 😃

Love you all - Lisa

04/14/2020

Here’s an article about Jim Crail (JP Crail’s son) who is a pilot for United Airlines. As a Crail I feel his gesture truly represents our family and who we are.

Watch as a United pilot thanks medical personnel for thier brave service before heading to New York City, the epicenter of COVID-19.