Ira Jetter

HERRIN, Ill. -- Ira "Junior" Jetter, 76, born Jan. 3, 1926, in Herrin, entered into final rest at 1:20 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2, 2002, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville, Ill., of a recent heart attack.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbie, and his parents, Ira and Mattie Perrin Jetter.

Ira is survived by his wife of 55 years, Clara June Bills Jetter; three sons, Wayne Jetter of Darmstadt, Ill., Patrick (Kathy) Jetter of Fayetteville, Ill., Steven (Debbie) Jetter of Belleville; four daughters, Mary Burton of Cape Girardeau, Janet (Jim) Odle of Winterhaven, Fla., Jane Bast of Marissa, Ill., and Jean Jetter of Waterloo, Ill.

Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Karen (Eric) Crawford of St. Louis, David (Lisa) Jetter of Springfield, Mo., Cole Burton of Cape Girardeau, Annie Burton of Cape Girardeau, Stacey Bast of Marissa; Jimmy Odle of Winterhaven; Chris Jetter and Matt Jetter of Belleville; and a great-grandchild, Jacob O'Riley, "Papa's Baby."

He was a decorated veteran of World War II serving in the Navy aboard the USS Hatfield.

Ira was a member of VFW Post 10641 and past president of the Lions Club. He was a retired carpenter, justice of the peace, local businessman and resident of Marissa 55 years.

Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa from 2 to 9 p.m. today, and Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Tilden United Methodist Church in Tilden, Ill. Burial will be in Marissa Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Tilden United Methodist Church.