Edward Luton

DECATUR, Ill. -- Edward L. Luton, 81, of Decatur passed away Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, with his family by his side.

Service to celebrate Ed's life will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Temple Baptist Church, 1818 East Mound Road, with Pastor James Bosler officiating. Interment will be in Fairlawn Cemetery with military honors provided.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Baptist Church.

Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.

Ed was born Sept. 9, 1929, in Cairo, Ill., son of Otis Wingo and Lorene Dobie Castleman Luton. He graduated from Mound City Community High School.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict from 1948 to 1952. Three years of that time were spent in the Japan occupation.

After he returned from service he worked at Houdaille Hershey three years, Borg Warner six months, and began work at Caterpillar in 1955. He retired in 1986 as inspection manager at Caterpillar's Pontiac Plant.

He was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church, member of Caterpillar Retirees Club, life member of VFW Post 99 and a member of Korean War Veterans Post 24. His hobbies were stained glass and woodworking, and he spent many, many hours making beautiful things for his family and friends.

Luton and Mildred Eckhardt were married Aug. 10, 1952. She preceded him in death Oct. 26, 2003. He and Pauline Woolums were married June 19, 2005.

He leaves behind his wife Pauline; a daughter, Cynthia Luton of Springfield; a brother-in-law, Norman Tolly of Macon; two nephews, Richard Tolly and wife Bonnie of Mount Zion, Dale Tolly and wife Karen of Decatur; a grandniece, Donna Blackwell and husband Jim of Forsyth; three grandnephews, Mike Tolly and wife Kim of Moweaqua, Don Tolly of Middleton, John Tolly and wife Jennifer of Mount Zion; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; a sister-in-law, Florence Tolly; a special cousin and computer mentor, Carolyn Luton Geittmann of Cape Girardeau.

He touched many lives with his kindness and compassion and will be greatly missed. He loved and appreciated his family and loved ones, his church family, and all his treasured friends who faithfully remembered him in prayer.

The family would like to thank each and every one for their prayers and many acts of kindness during this difficult time. We also would like to thank the hospice nurses for all their work. They made a heartbreaking time just a bit easier by their caring and compassion.