Okley M. Willmore, 87, of Mt. Vernon went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 27, 1999, at 10:30 p.m. at the Mt. Vernon Care Center.

He was a sheet metal worker in the area for many years working at Benoist Brothers, East Side Lumber Co. and Eater Sheet Metal Co. until retirement. During World War II, Mr. Willmore was employed at small arms plants in St. Louis and Crab Orchard.

Mr. Willmore was born March 22, 1912, in West Frankfort, a son of John and Belle (Lewis) Willmore.

April 25, 1932, in West Frankfort, he married E. Beatrice Murphy, who survives.

Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Hughey Funeral Home with the Rev. Steve Harrison officiating. Burial will be in West Salem Cemetery, Mt. Vernon. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Hughey Funeral Home.

Mr. Willmore is survived by his wife E. Beatrice Willmore of Mt. Vernon; three daughters, Pansy Capps and husband Richard of Mt. Vernon, Greta Chambliss and husband Richard of Tremont and Ginger Ethridge and husband David of Mt. Vernon; one son, Ron Willmore and wife Arvilla of Tremont; 12 grandchildren, 17 grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Willmore was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Marion Willmore and Wesley Willmore; and one sister, Myrtle Poston.

He was a born-again Christan and a longtime member of the Summersville Baptist Church. He was a member of the King City Saddle Club for many years and Sheet Metal Workers Union 268 at Caseyville.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Summersville Missionary Babtist Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Source: Mount Vernon Register News
Date: March 23, 1999
Submitted by Steven Kent Ward
Relationship: Great Nephew