- Date Of Birth: December 30, 1922
- Date Of Death: April 16, 2016
- State: Illinois
Wilbur W. Lonergan, 93, of rural Jacksonville, IL died Saturday, April 16, 2016, at his home.
He was born December 30, 1922 in rural Murrayville, the son of Cornelius Edward and Alice Virgil Sheppard Lonergan. He married Dottie D. Imboden on January 13, 1946 in Jacksonville and she preceded him in death on April 19, 2009.
He is survived by six children, Robert W. Lonergan (wife, Carole) of Cornelia, GA, Clark A. Lonergan (companion, Susan Barfield) of Jacksonville, Bonnie Sheppard of Franklin, John E. Lonergan (wife, Laura) of Jacksonville, Mary L. Marsh of Jacksonville, and Michael P. Lonergan (wife, Amy) of Jacksonville; 19 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by three grandchildren and four sisters, Eva Mae Lonergan in infancy, Lida McCarthy, Mildred Fletcher, and Bernice Massey.
Wilbur was a 1940 graduate of Jacksonville High School and served with the US Army Air Corps from 1943-1945 during WW II. He was a member of the 406th Fighter Group and the 512th Fighter Squadron stationed in the European Theater from April of 1944 to November of 1945. In recognition of his military service, he was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Unit Badge with Oak Leaf Cluster, and three overseas bars.
He returned to farm in rural Jacksonville for many years. Following his retirement from farming, he raised garden crops to sell at the Farmers Markets and share excess produce with the Jacksonville Food Center. Wilbur and his wife were active in many area flea markets and the Prairieland Heritage Museum, well known for buying and selling antiques and collectibles. He was also a devoted St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.
