JOHN M. BRIERTON

John Brierton

John M. Brierton, 67, of Rushville died at 8:51 a.m. Jan. 6, 2018, at his home.

He was born Nov. 25, 1950, in Rushville, a son of Jack and Portia Sipes Brierton. He married Connie Billingsley Dodd. During their marriage, they had three children, Tammy (and John) Spencer, John Martin Brierton and Mandy (and Chris) Fawcett. He then married Janet Haney Edwards and gained four children, Yancey (and Francie) Black, Jean Black, Aaron (and Josh) Hayes and Salinda Jo (and Steve) Branson. Together, they had two children, James Matthew Brierton and Jesse Brierton. On May 5, 2015, he married Rona Jean Ward at Schuy-Rush Park. He gained three stepsons, Jeremy Duerksen, Justin Duerksen and Christopher Troutman.

Surviving are siblings, Karen (and Barney) Williams, Jacque Smith, Tom (and Susan) Brierton and Chuck Brierton; 16 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Tammy; and his parents, Jack and Portia.

He grew up in the Pleasant View and Rushville area with his siblings.

He achieved the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Rushville High School in 1968 before entering the Navy for four years of service.

He graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Spoon River College in 1989. After which, he pursued a career in radio where he specialized in sports broadcasting and writing commercials. After moving to Montana, he turned his hobby of woodworking into a career building furniture and cabinetry.

Once returning to Illinois, he spent his last years as caretaker of Schuy-Rush Lake Park with his loving wife, Rona Jean, where he enjoyed living in and caring for nature. He was well-known for being musically talented. He was the lead guitarist for many country and blues bands, writing his own original songs.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville beginning with Military Rites by Schuyler American Legion Post #4 and a U.S. Navy Honors Detail. Rev. Terry Lucas will officiate. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Messerer Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to the time of services on Friday.

Memorials may be made to his family.

Condolences may be sent to www.worthingtonfh.com.

Published in the Astoria South Fulton Argus on 1/10/2018