FRANCIS E. SORRELS

ANNA, Ill. -- Francis E. "Gene" Sorrels, 73, of Anna, died Wednesday, March 1, 1995, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

He was born July 22, 1921, in Murphysboro, son of Francis J. and Elizabeth Reichrath Sorrels.

Sorrels and a brother, Bill, owned and operated Jo-An Laundry and Cleaners in Anna, Vienna and Cairo. He was appointed chairman of the board of the Anna-Jonesboro Water Commission in 1970, and then appointed superintendent in 1979. He retired in 1988.

He was a member of Anna United Methodist Church and its Men's Club, Townsend F. Dodd American Legion Post 344, Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455, and Anna-Jonesboro Elks Lodge 1641. He was a veteran of World War II.

Survivors include a daughter, Jill Cunningham of Scottsdale, Ariz., and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son and brother.

Friends may call at Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Richard Sullins officiating. Burial will be in Anna Cemetery.