John Bione

THOMPSONVILLE - John Victor Bione, 81, formerly of Johnston City, passed away at 4:50 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, in VA Community Living Center in Marion.

John was born Sept. 5, 1931, in Chicago Heights to John Dominic and Eleanor (Waltz) Bione.

He married Lucinda Mae Jack on June 22, 1956, in Marion. Together they shared nearly 35 years of marriage before Lucinda preceded him in death April 6, 1991.

John was retired, having been a coal miner for 28 years, before retiring in 1993. He was employed at Amax Delta Coal Mine, where he operated the second largest dragline in the world.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served his country honorably during the Korean War.

He was of Catholic faith.

John was a graduate of SIU Carbondale with a degree in machine shop technology. John worked very hard to provide for his family and could fix anything. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Victor and Linda Bione of Herrin; daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Gregory E. Drew of Marion; four grandchildren, Shannon Bione of Roselle, Nikko Bione of Herrin, Gregory A. Drew, serving in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Crete and Justin Michael Lind of Herrin; sister, Linda Walker of Cherryville, N.C.; and brother, Gary Bione of Alexandria, Va. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Lesa Kay Bione; and two sisters, Anna Marie McCollum and Eleanor McCabe.

Celebration of life service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, in Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City, with the Rev. Donnie Colson officiating. Inurnment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion, with military graveside rites conducted by Marion VFW Post 1301, American Legion Post 147, and members of Illinois National Guard Military Honors Team. Visitation for family and friends will be from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Coach Kill Cancer Fund. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home.

The Bione family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of VA Community Living Center for the sincere care and compassion that was given to John.

For additional information or sign the memorial guest register, visit www.pylefuneralhome.com.