Earl Hill

THEBES, Ill. -- Earl W. Hill, 85, of Thebes died Monday, July 12, 2010, at Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau.

He was born Dec. 20, 1924, in McClure, Ill., to Lawrence and Pearl Wilson Hill. He and LaVerne Snell were married Dec. 13, 1946, in Corning, Ark.

Earl served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. Among his numerous decorations were two Bronze Stars.

He was a member of VFW in Cairo, Ill. He was an auto mechanics teacher at a vocational school and was a certified auto mechanic. He was of the Baptist belief.

Survivors include his wife, LaVerne Hill of Thebes; a son, Gary Hill Sr. and wife Ann of Thebes; a daughter, Donna Hughes and husband Willis of Grand Tower, Ill.; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bill and Merle Hill; and a sister, DeLaine Pearson.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Raymond Oxford officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes, with full military rites.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.