ANTHONY LEE FILLINGHAM

Anthony Fillingham

Anthony Lee Fillingham, 48, of Macomb died June 22, 2018, at University of Chicago Medicine, Medical Intensive Care Unit in Chicago. He battled leukemia since May, 2017.

He was born Feb. 24, 1970, in Canton, the son of Lee and Martha Fillingham.

Surviving are four daughters, Katie, twins Renny and Riley and Lily; life partner, Melanie Brierton of Macomb; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Kate Fillingham and Robert and Beulah Dohner; and one aunt, Marilyn Johnson.

He was a graduate of Elk Grove High School in 1988. He pursued his career goals at Western Illinois University and received a double major in Applied Math/Computer Science and Law Enforcement. He worked as a police officer with Macomb Police Department for 20 years and received Letters of Commendations and Mayor Award for Service to Citizens of Macomb. During this time, he also served as a member of the Army Reserves from 2003-11. He enlisted at age 33. He completed special Combat and Warrior Courses. In January, 2007, he also received American Soldier Defender of Freedom recognition for his service and sacrifice in Operation Enduring Freedom.

After retiring from Macomb Police Department, he decided to continue his education at WIU in pursuit of becoming a special education teacher. He needed to complete a semester of student teaching in order to fulfill his dream.

He was a skilled Black Belt in Kosho-Ryu Kempo Karate. He began studying Jiu-Jitsu with his oldest daughter.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Graveside services with Military Rites will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 28, at Vermont Cemetery. Following Graveside services, a Celebration of Life will be held from 1-3 p.m. at Macomb VFW Post 1921, 1200 E. Jefferson St., Macomb. Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Anthony Fillingham Memorial Fund for his daughters’ college education.

Condolences may be sent to clugston-tibbittsfh.com.

Published in the Astoria South Fulton Argus on 6/27/2018 (pending) and 7/4/2018