Joel Kearney

BENTON -- Joel Bryant "J.B." Kearney, 86, passed away Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, in Stonebridge Senior Living Center in Benton.

He was born Jan. 16, 1924, in West City. Joel was the loving father of six daughters. He had 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He loved life and was known regionally as a musician, artist and community leader. Joel worked many years as a sign painter and his work is still seen throughout Franklin County.

He was probably best known as the region's famed jazz guitarist and had a loyal following throughout many decades. During his life, he was involved in local politics and served as Mayor of West City in the 1970s. He was instrumental in bringing business to West City and helping to form the municipality it is today. He also served for a time as precinct committeeman, Browning Township Supervisor, Franklin County Board Member and Benton Grade School Board Member. He served his country in the U.S. Army as a military policeman during World War II.

He is survived by his first wife, Viola (Story) Kearney Werlinger of West City; and his daughters, Ramona Kearney of Benton and her children, Sarah Carlton and husband, John, and Miles Williams and special friend, Breanna Morris; Christine Kearney and husband, David, of Austin and their children, Joel Perry and fiancé, Ashley Taylor, Dylan and Delaney Kearney; Kay Pfeiffer and husband, Jeff, of Henderson, Nev., and her daughter, Macy Kearney; Rebecca Benedict and husband, Kenny, of rural Mulkeytown and their children, Emily Kearney and fiancé, Brandon Fitzpatrick, Chelsea Zettler and husband, Travis, and Chloe Benedict; Donna Smith and husband, Troy, of rural Harrisburg and their children, Lonnie Mann III and wife, Rosalind, and Jennifer and Andrew Smith; Jane Kearney of Benton and her daughter, Ashley Kearney. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Jayden Taylor and Vance Bryant Perry, Ireland and Ellyana Fitzpatrick, Lonnie Lee Mann IV and Kourtnie Godden and twins, Makanda and Connor Williams; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. James and Fannie (Sanders) Kearney of West City; 10 brothers and sisters, Ulla Kearney Summers, Elbert Kearney, Delmar Kearney, Maude Kearney Browning, Ella Kearney Hargrove, Aline Kearney Smothers, Joe Kearney, and three siblings Mary, Sylvester and Hazel May, who each died in childhood. Also preceding him in death is his second wife, Patricia (Sylvester) Kearney.

Joel Kearney "J.B." will be sadly missed by his many friends and family.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010, in Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home in Benton. Burial will be in Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, with military rites performed by the Benton American Legion and VFW.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959.

Visit www.hobbsjohnson.com to sign the memorial guestbook.