Eli R. Sidwell, Jr.

We Celebrate a Life Well Lived...

Eli R. Sidwell, Jr. was born in Cumberland County, Illinois on November 22, 1932.

Eli was the second youngest of eight siblings born to Eli R. Sidwell and Opal Howe Sidwell.  Born on the family farm, he attended Yanaway one room schoolhouse through the eighth grade and then Casey High School, graduating in 1951.  He missed one whole year of high school having been diagnosed with Rheumatic Fever.

Once back on his feet he farmed with his father for four years and during this time of living at home his entrepreneurial spirit took root and he started a small business of his own raising capons (1500 of them) for holiday sale.  This gave him enough money to buy his first car.

He continued on to attend college at Eastern Illinois University in 1954.

Eli married his college sweetheart, Ann Gray, the summer following graduation and they have been together for over 60 years.  He said that Ann stood by him through thick and thin.  Together they raised three children, Melanie Sidwell Edwards, Eli R. Sidwell III, and Jamie Sidwell.  Then followed four grandchildren, Orin Edwards (21), Ian Edwards (18), Eden Edwards (15), and Abigail Sidwell (7).

Eli’s first career job was with Country Companies Insurance and after that he became Loan Officer and Assistant Cashier at Coles County National Bank for four years.  Following the bank, he was hired as the Assistant Director for the Office of Economic Opportunity (Embarras River Basin Agency).  This was a seven-county organization where he traveled and met with county leaders and elected officials to plan programs giving assistance to people needing jobs or care.  He was quickly promoted to the Agency Director where he stayed for the next four years.

Then, choosing to leave in pursuit of a real estate sales license, he began work for Leland Hall Real Estate and Insurance; a new broker in town.  His first year was a huge success selling over one million dollars in real estate while houses were selling for $12,000 and up.  His highest sale in his first year was $42,000.  He went on to build his own business, Eli Sidwell and Associates, with partner and good friend Jerry Bennett.  This was his life passion and he stayed in the real estate business until he retired.  However, after selling the business, he went on to serve the State of Illinois under Governor Jim Edgar as the Director of Banks and Real Estate where he served for another four years.

As if his career was not enough, Eli was active in many additional organizations that were extremely near and dear to his heart.  He was an active member and leader in Sigma Pi Fraternity International where he was a mentor, supporter, and source of energy for more than 65 years.  As an undergraduate he served as Pledge Trainer, Treasurer and President, remained involved as an alumnus serving as an Advisor with Bertrand Holley and later assuming the role of Chapter Director.  On the national level, he served on the Educational Foundation, Housing Corporation and Grand Council (1976-86).  Eli was elected Grand Sage at the 1982 Convocation.   Most recently he was named Honorary Chairman of the Beta-Gamma Chapter House Fundraising Committee.

He was active in Wesley United Methodist Church for over 60 years serving as the Financial Chairman, on the Building Committee, Wesley Student Foundation Board, Board of Trustees and Hospitality Service.  Coles County Board Member for 16 years including a stint as Chairman, Chair of the Board for Coles Together (a future Gen energy committee), Chairman of the Coles County Board of Realtors, Illinois Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, State of Illinois Church Planning Group, EIU Foundation and Board of Directors (1965-75), 708 Board (county health regulation), EIU  Panther Club Board of Directors/President/MVP, Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce Director/Treasurer/Past Legislative Chairman and Charleston Jaycees.  He managed a political campaign for Governor Jim Edgar and was the Campaign Chair for Senator Dale Righter for 22 years.  Eli was the recipient of Charleston Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award, the EIU Alumni Service Award and EIU Centennial 100 (one of 100 people recognized for “their contributions to the life of the institution” when EIU celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1995).

Eli Sidwell Jr., the consummate entrepreneur and business professional, but more importantly a trusted and valued friend, a mentor, a visionary, a leader, and a role model.  He had a heart for helping others that was unmatched.

All of this and yet, one of his greatest contributions to this world was his role as a loving husband, father and Papa (a.k.a. “Pops”).  Respect, Integrity, Chivalry, Understanding and Patience are among the greatest attributes a person can share with another.  Eli exemplified all of these and so much more.  The family could not be more proud of him or more grateful to call him their own.

It is with hearts full of LOVE that we celebrate Eli and a LIFE WELL LIVED.

Funeral ServiceThe funeral service honoring and celebrating the life of Eli Sidwell was held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Wesley United Methodist Church with Reverend Tom Corum officiating.  Members of the Sigma Pi Fraternity conducted Funeral Rites which included placing of the flag, eulogies and singing of "The Fireside Song".  Reflections of Eli were also heard in the words of eulogists, former Governor Jim Edgar, Don Yost (read by son Jeremy Yost) and Abigail Sidwell.  Pianist, Laura Swickard Worrall accompanied vocalist Michael Mellott who sang "How Great Thou Art" and also performed "The Battle Hymn of the Republic".  Reverend Harry Tingley, organist provided prelude and postlude selections and accompanied the congregational hymn "Amazing Grace".   Burial followed in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston.  Serving as pallbearers were:Matthew Edwards, Orin Edwards, Ian Edwards, Eden Edwards, Abigail Sidwell, Charles Schuster and Rodney Symonds. 

Click here to view Family Memorial Video.