John Fleming

John Michael Fleming, 70, of Worden, IL, died on February 27, 2015 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL, with his wife and daughter by his side.
John was born on January 28, 1945 in Litchfield, IL. He attended high school in Livingston, IL, and attended Lewis & Clark Community College after returning from Vietnam. He graduated with honors in 1978.
He worked at Laclede Steel in Madison until joining the Laborers Union Local 179. He was elected Business Manager in 1986, and served until his retirement in 2003. After his retirement, he started Fleming Lawn Service, and loved to cut grass. He was heavily involved in Madison Country Democratic politics for many years, holding various positions through the years. He was also a member of American Legion Post 564 in Worden, IL, where he served as Vice-Commander and Commander.
John was very involved in community service projects, such as the Worden Library, Edwardsville Little League construction projects, and many more projects for schools and organizations throughout the county. Most recently, he was serving as a member of the Laborers' Midwest Region Veterans Steering Committee, an organization dedicated to helping veterans.
He had been recently diagnosed with cancer for the third time in three years. He was an Army veteran, having served in Vietnam in 1969, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. He touched the lives of many people in a positive manner by dedicating his life to helping others and fighting for workers' rights.
John is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane Fleming, nee Welch, of Worden, IL; his daughter, Courtney Fleming (fiancé, Peter Palmiotto) of Arizona; and will be greatly missed by some very special nieces and nephews, especially his "Little Buddy" Carson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, H.W. "Scotty" & Barbara Fleming.
Memorials may be made to John's family, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Condolences may be extended online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
Per his wishes and instructions, his remains will be cremated.
A private interment service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home and Cremation Services.