Cletus James Sidwell

Dateline: Jerseyville Cletus James Sidwell, 86, of Jerseyville, died at 9:10 a.m. Friday, December 26, 2014 at the home of his son, Dr. Stanley Sidwell, Godfrey, IL. He was born September 15, 1928 in Nebo, IL, the first child of the late Edgar and Emma (Pruett) Sidwell. He married Mary Evelyn Dunaven on August 22, 1948 in Pittsfield. She preceded him in death on July 9, 2006. Mr. Sidwell worked as a lineman and later as a switchman for General Telephone (Verizon) from which he retired after 41 years of service. He has worshiped at First Baptist Church in Jerseyville for many years. He dearly loved his family especially his six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. As a young man, Cletus was an accomplished athlete, competing in track and field, basketball and baseball. His interest in sports continued throughout his life. He coached youth baseball for many years, and he was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan. Surviving are two sons and daughter-in-law; Larry Sidwell of Mt. Vernon, IL, and Dr. Stanley Sidwell and Elizabeth Sidwell of Godfrey; six grandchildren and their spouses: Michelle and Keith Dory of West Memphis, AR, Jeremy and Heather Sidwell of Chicago, Dr. Rachel and Ryan Durham of Alton, Christina and Ray Flemings of San Francisco, CA, Benjamin and Janna Sidwell of St. Charles, MO, Leah and Joshua Peuterbaugh of Overland Park, KS. Eleven great-grandchildren: Tyler, Hannah, William and Matthew Dory; Renae and Ryan “RJ” Durham; Jackson and Madeline Flemings; James Sidwell; David and Lucas Peuterbaugh. One brother, Maurice Dean Sidwell (Billie) of Pittsfield, two sisters, Nancy Sue Crockett (Richard) of Pensacola, FL and Jane Ann Herndon (Jim) of Godfrey, one sister-in-law, Ilene Elledge of Nebo. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers; John Robert Sidwell, Lyndle Don Sidwell, and Richard Dale Sidwell, two sisters, Mary Lou Clendenny and Margie Lou Kelly. Graveside services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2014 at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville with the Reverend Ed Haun officiating. Friends and family are welcome to attend. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church of Jerseyville. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. PDF Printable Version

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Cletus James Sidwell

September 15, 1928 - December 26, 2014