Willis Belcher

ANNA, Ill. -- Willis Lloyd Belcher, 94, of Anna died Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at Union County Nursing Home.

He was born Jan. 5, 1914, in Union County, son of Roy and Dora Boyce Belcher. He and Marie Tinckham were married Dec. 12, 1936, in Anna. She died Jan. 26, 2001.

Belcher was a member of the United Methodist Church in Anna, Anna Masonic Lodge 520 AF&AM and Ainad Shrine Temple of East St. Louis, Ill.

He started Belcher Electric Co. in Anna in 1946, which he operated with his son, John, for many years. Belcher served on the Anna City Council eight years, became mayor of Anna in 1982, and was appointed to the Union County Board of Commissioners in 1984.

Survivors include a son, John Belcher of Anna; a daughter, Wanda Dillow of Anna; a brother, Carroll Belcher of Anna; six grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, two brothers and a stepgrandchild.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bill Minor officiating. Interment will be in Anna City Cemetery.