Opal Alice (Harris) Kays 1908-1986

Opal Alice Kays, daughter of Allen and Elsie McDaniel Harris, was born on March 22, 1908 in Pulaski County, and departed this life September 20, 1986 at her home, at the age of seventy eight years.

On December 22, 1933, she was united in marriage with John Kays, and to this union was born one son, who survives.

Opal taught school for many years in Pulaski County schools.

In 1950 she transferred her membership from the Union Church in Hazelgreen to the Independence Baptist Church, where she has remained a very faithful and active member.  She served as church secretary and treasurer for many years.

Opal was a lovely Christian lady, who was willing to help a neighbor or friend in need.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 23, 1986 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Ed Hamilton and Rev. Raymond McClary officiating.

Resting Place was in the Hazelgreen Cemetery.

Escorts were: Fred Wilson, Virgil Shelton, Keith Lundh, Mayfield Wilson, Jesse Elam and Larry Ogle.

Those surviving include her son John Earl Kays and his wife Barbara of Richland; one sister Bessie Murrell of Richland; two grandchildren Kent and Sherrie; as well as other relatives and a host of many friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Edna Bosel; one brother, Lynn Harris and an infant brother.

Floyd Richard McDaniel, Sr. 1939-2012

Floyd Richard McDaniel, Sr. was born on October 1, 1939, at McLeansboro, Illinois a son of Azariah and Salena (Gwaltney) McDaniel and departed this life at 11:07 a.m., Wednesday, May 23, 2012 in the Mercy Hospital, Lebanon. Mr. McDaniel had attained the age of 72 years, 7 months and 22 days.

Mr. McDaniel was united in marriage on March 4, 1961, at Dixon to Geraldine Rollins and to this union, three children were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; one great-grandson, Aiden Charles Pitts; four brothers, John McDaniel, Hilliard McDaniel, Charles McDaniel and Mike McDaniel; three sisters, Katherine Miller, Virginia Helfert and Helen Cockrum.

Mr. McDaniel was a member of the Sheppard Baptist Church, Dixon and a retired United States Army veteran. Following his retirement, he worked for Mid-East Trash Service and later for the Dixon Police Department as a dispatcher.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. McDaniel include: his wife, Geraldine McDaniel, Dixon; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Floyd Richard, Jr. and Stayce McDaniel and David Eugene McDaniel, all of Dixon; one daughter and son-in-law, Sheila Mae and Mike Plummer, Dixon; two brothers, Chris McDaniel and Henry McDaniel, both of the state of Illinois; two sisters, Sarah Egbert, Carmi, Illinois and Vada “Fay” Hunt, state of Michigan; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service was held for Mr. McDaniel at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, May 26, 2012, in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Dixon, with Pastor Larry Albertson officiating. “The Old Rugged Cross” and “I’ve Got a Mansion” was played for the memorial service.

Lesley Loyd McDaniel 1909-1985

Lesley Loyd McDaniel, son of James and Clona Florence Hill McDaniel, was born in Pulaski County March 15, 1909 and departed this life January 26, 1985 in Lebanon, Missouri at the age of 75 years, 10 months and 11 days.

Lesley accepted Jesus Christ as young man, while living in Arkansas. He has made the Richland area his home for most of his life, and several years ago retired from truck driving for the Kritzer Fur Company. After retirement he worked for the Hensley Fur Company.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a twin brother Wesley and brother, Pryor, and one sister, Verdie Hargett.

Lesley is survived by one brother, James of Richland; three sisters, Mandy Raef and Grace Short both of Lebanon; and Annie Hayward of California; as well as other relatives and friends.

Services were held Tuesday, January 29, 1985, 11:00 a.m. at Colonial Funeral Chapel with Rev. John Davenport officiating.

Music was provided by Rusty Shadel, soloist and DeLores Shadel, organist.

Escorts were: Edward Bohannon, Terry Becker, David Becker, Ralph Becker, Tommy Becker, and Michael Becker.

Interment was in the Dowty Cemetery under the direction of the Colonial Funeral Chapel.