Sterling Scales

1936 - 2021

ALTON — Dr. Sterling Scales was born December 11, 1936 in Alton to the union of the late Arthur C. and Marcella (Singleton) Scales.

Dr. Sterling Scales graduated 11th in his Alton High School graduating class 1954; at 17 years old he was the first Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial Scholarship Recipient.

He graduated from University of Illinois in Champaign in 1958. In 1961 he graduated from the Chicago Professional College of University of Illinois. In 1968 he received both his degree of bachelor of Science in Dentistry and his Degree of Doctor of Dental surgery.

Following his graduation, he worked as a dentist for the Salvation Army in Chicago, before deciding to open his own practice of general dentistry at 3248 West Madison Avenue in Chicago. Following the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, his business was destroyed by the Chicago Riots in 1968.

Dr. Scales pursued his career and worked for the Chicago Public School System, he later retired and continue to live in Chicago, he continue to volunteer his services to charitable organizations. As his health began to decline, he moved to Alton under the care of his loving sister Patience Green until her passing. He then resided at St. John's Place in St. Louis until his death.

In Addition, he was preceded in death, by two sisters, Gevena Scales, and Patience (Scales) Greene, and three brothers Arthur, Robert, and Leroy Scales.

Left to cherish fond memories: beloved Niece Denise Greene of Alton, a great nephew Landon Love of St. Louis, great niece Morgan Love Swanson (Dominique) of Alton, Sister-in-law Lettie Scales in Alton and a special friend- Nancy Williams.