Taffie Helleny, 92, of Herrin, passed away peacefully at his home in Herrin on Friday morning, January 1, 2016.
He was born April 23, 1923 in Herrin to Joseph and Katie (Neckley) Helleny.
He married the love of his life, E.J. Craver of Murphysboro, on June 18, 1950. She survives.
Other survivors include his children: Joey Helleny of Herrin, Jane (Craig) Herman of Herrin, and Robert (Cathy) Helleny of Carterville. He is also survived by his brother, Charles Helleny of Herrin, and grandchildren Kimberly (Shayne) Alexander of Paducah and Rebecca and Mary Kate Herman of Herrin. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who were very important to him.
He was proud of his family and always taught them to do the right thing.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Louis, James, and Edward.
Taffie was a world war two U.S. Army veteran, having served in the European theater. He graduated from the University of Illinois and also attended SIU Carbondale. He was a member of Herrin’s Prairie Masonic Lodge 693, Scottish Rite Valley of Southern Illinois, and the Ainad Shrine Temple of East St, Louis. He was the longest member of Herrin Elks Lodge 1146. He was a member of the SIU Alumni Association and a strong supporter of the university.
He attended the First Presbyterian Church in Herrin throughout his life but also maintained his membership in St. George’s (Syrian) Orthodox Church in Terre Haute, Indiana.
He was a long time businessman in Southern Illinois. He was a partner in Helleny’s Furniture in Herrin and Carbondale and co-owner of the Campus Shopping Center in Carbondale. He had also been Chairman of the Board of Home Federal Savings and Loan in Carbondale.
Taffie enjoyed helping others in their business ventures. He regularly could be found dispensing advice with his friends at his favorite corner table at Quatro’s in Carbondale.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 pm Wednesday at Meredith Waddell Funeral Home in Herrin. The funeral service will be at 11 am Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Michael S. Nuebert officiating. The Elk’s 11th hour ceremony will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday and Masonic Rites will be held immediately following at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday.
Burial will be in Herrin City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Herrin, Hospice of Southern Illinois or to a charity of the Donor's choice.
Read More
