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Kermit Reside Obituary
Kermit Glenn Reside, 99, of Jacksonville died Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, at his home.
He was born Sept. 14, 1921, in Pleasant Plains, the son of John and Sarah Connor Reside. He married Arleen Claire Wholley on May 6, 1945, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 22, 2003, after 58 years of marriage.
He is survived by three sons and one daughter, Dr. Glenn (Karin) Reside of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Bruce Reside of Marietta, Georgia, David (Alison) Reside of Silver Springs, Maryland, and Diane (Steve) Farmer of Jacksonville; seven grandchildren, Dr. Jonathan Reside and Connor Reside, both of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Elizabeth Farmer of St. Louis, Harrison Reside and Hunter Reside, both of Marietta, Georgia, Sarah Reside of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Jack Reside of Silver Springs, Maryland; one great-grandson, Charlie Reside of Marietta, Georgia; and one sister, Joan Kaplan of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his wife; five brothers, Willard, John, Donald, Kenneth and Thomas; and one sister, Peggy Dodd.
Mr. Reside was baptized into the Methodist faith. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving as a Seabee on the Aleutian Islands. He taught at Jacksonville High School for 28 years, in industrial arts, wood shop and the work-study program. He also served as department head of the vocational department. He retired from JHS in 1979 and, in 1981, he began working for the Illinois State Police as an engineering technician, retiring from there in 1990.
A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Diamond Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living (JACIL) Disability Awareness Fund. Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kermit Reside
Lester (Jay) Abbott
August 26, 2025
Kermit changed my life for the better. Wish I could have spent more time with him. He was a truly amazing person and teacher. God Bless
Lester Jay Abbott
November 16, 2023
I received my Teacher certification in Texas in 1997. The first thing I did was get a pair of shoes like Kermit wore. This man changed my life. When I saw him last was at my mothers funeral. I was so moved when I saw him l broke down in tears. I was so proud to tell him I was a vocational teacher and about buying the shoes. I wanted so much to be like him. God bless Kermit Reside.
Lester Abbott
December 4, 2022
Kermit was a wonderful man. In 1969 after getting my draft notice well in high school. Kermit helped me handle the situation. He checked on me through out my life. A true teacher.
John Bodishbaugh
December 1, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Reside was an A+ shop teacher and an ace with the rifle. He was a good model, as I spent 35 years teaching in high school. Class of J.H.S. 1956.
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Jere Scott
December 1, 2020
Sorry to hear of Kermit's passing. I think I had some of his children on the football and basketball team at the YMCA. My that has been a long time ago. Then I use to see him when he went to work for the state. He was a very gifted person. My condolences in his passing.
Ron Hainds
November 21, 2020
I was fortunate to work with Kermit during my early years at JHS. He was a veteran teacher and I respected his expertise. I am sorry for your loss.
Judy Miller
November 21, 2020
My deepest condolences go out to the Reside Family. Kermit was such a kind man. I pray for all
Dan Currier
November 21, 2020
Sorry for you loss.
Joe & Sue Tapscott
November 21, 2020
Sorry for you loss, he was a good man and a great teacher.
Larry Moore
November 21, 2020
I first met Kermit when I did my student teaching at Jacksonville HS in 1968. I had majored in Industrial Arts and had the pleasure of working with the staff in the Vocational Building. I spent a few weeks with Dick Graff, Bob Allen, Ed Alquist and finally Kermit. It was in Kermits shop that I felt most comfortable. I enjoyed his wisdom and character. He was just a very nice person. I remember the night he brought me to his home for a meal with his family. I subsequently took a position teaching Woods at ISD and remained there until I retired. Anytime I bumped in to Kermit in later years he always remembered me and we would have enjoyable conversations. In later years we both ended up going to Cardio Rehab at Passavant. I was amazed he got along so well in his later years. I am saddened to learn of his passing, but honored that I got to work with him. He had a big influence in my life. May he Rest In Peace. Thank you Kermit!
Chuck Black
November 20, 2020
I’m sorry for your loss. May I say that Kermit was quite a guy. I remember him from Cub Scout days and of course high school. The vocational building was an important part of my education. That education took me into the electrical trade and the Seabees. I’ll never forget getting off the elevator at the State Police Headquarters to bid on a project and finding Kermit there! I was a little nervous, having to meet some new engineering staff. After catching up a little, he took me in to meet the big shots!
He gave me a great introduction.
Please know that Kermit Reside was a guy I always looked up to. A good man, my life was better because I knew him!
Isabel Parrott
November 19, 2020
Dear Diane, David, Bruce & Family-
May God lift and carry you through this time of unfathomable loss and sorrow.
Your Father was a kind and caring soul. He and dear Arleen were always so warm and welcoming when a gaggle of giggling neighborhood kids would enter their kitchen, always embracing us with warm and endearing smiles.
Such an impactful and productive life he lived with Nurse Diane’s care sustaining him in his home, along with y’all’s immense love for him and to 99 years of amazing life.
By design, Kermit built a strong family full of love, caring for others, and immense joy, fun and laughter! I shall always cherish our wonderful times together.
May your Father’s memory always be a blessing to you and yours. My prayers are with you-peace, love and warm hugs.
Teresa Sumpter
November 19, 2020
Kermit was a very good man,I am truly sorry for your loss. I have alot of good memories of him and Arlene. they were so sweet together.
Connie Downey
November 19, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Dan Ryan
November 19, 2020
Dear Bruce David and Diane l am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I still think about all good times that were had at your parents house back in the day. Your parents treated everyone like family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Joy Reside
November 19, 2020
Bob and I just read of Uncle Kermit's passing and were deeply saddened. He was such a wonderful man, full of fun, love and laughter. It breaks out hearts that we are unable to be with the family to say our final good bye. Much love to all of you during this most difficult time. He lived a great life and will be missed. Bob and Joy
Bob & Sandra Newby
November 18, 2020
Bob and I will treasure his friendship. He had a wonderful dry wit that always made us smile. Even though we hadn't seen him for sometime we missed our conversations in the backyard or during our walks around the block when that was still our routine.
Pamela Schlieper Woloshyn
November 18, 2020
I remember Mr. Reside fondly. He was the best ever! He never passed without having something to say to me. My condolences to Diane and extended family. He will always be remembered.
Kathryn Dalton Hackman
November 18, 2020
Diane and family,
I am sorry to hear of your dear father's passing. Rest assured he is giving Jesus carpentry tips. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Gary Thompson
November 18, 2020
I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. Even as we know it is near we are never really ready when the end comes for a loved one. As you know I spent many years working with your dad at JHS. He was my practice teacher and he was a good example for me and the students. I have so many memories of he and Bob Allen and Ed Ahlquist sharing stories in that little room between the wood and metal shop between classes. There was always a big pot of coffee and plenty of cigarete smoke! Without him I wouldn’t have continued being a teacher after I got my first paycheck. It was so low I was ready to quit and he convinced me to hang in there just a few more months. A few months led to 33 years. I’ve thought about him so often over the years and hope that you all have many good memories to hold close.
Doug Peak
November 17, 2020
Growing up there are not a lot of my friends parents that stand out to me but Kermit and Arleen always made me feel at home. They had conversations with us, they treated me like family, Rest in peace Kermit you will be missed.
Judy watt
November 17, 2020
Glenn and family
So sorry to hear this about your Dad. I have great memories of your folks and mine going to all our games together.You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dave and Judy Watt
Ron Barber
November 17, 2020
A great teacher, I use the skills I was taught
In wood shop 1964 to 1968, every day of my life. He was always strict but fair,
I’m am so sorry to hear of his passing, but remember he has left his students with many skills
We will never forget
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