Mystic Shrine

John LeRoy Bitzer '74

07/14/2023

John LeRoy Bitzer, beloved husband, father, and grandfather (“gee-pa”) passed away at the age of 70 on July 14, 2023, at his home in Collinsville, Illinois. 

A native of Shelbyville, Illinois, John grew up as one of six siblings.  He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1970 where he excelled in academics, sports, and holds an Illinois state track record…for an event that may or may not still exist (which means he can never be beaten!).   

George Donnelly '65

11/22/2022

George Donnelly, age 80, peacefully passed away on November 22nd, 2022, in Wheaton, Illinois.

George was born in Chicago, Illinois, son of Eugene and Anna (Wilcox) Donnelly. He was a graduate of DeKalb High School class of 1960 and received a BS Degree from the University of Illinois and a Juris Doctor Degree from Northern Illinois College of Law.

William Bradle '72

09/19/2022

William Bradle

A resident of Willow Park and Fort Worth in East Parker County, Texas, since 1984, William (Bill) Ramsey Bradle died on Monday, September 19, 2022 at the age of 72.

A good man, a good father, and a good husband, his life revolved around his love for his family and his many long-held friendships. His love deepened with time and enriched us all.

James Bruce Lyon '63

08/11/2022

James Bruce Lyon, 80, went to be with the Lord on August 11, 2022. He died at home from coronary heart disease. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 23, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church.

James Craig Potter '66

07/01/2022

James Craig Potter, environmental lawyer of Alexandria, Va., passed away of brain cancer on Friday, July 1, 2022. He was 78.   

Craig was raised in Urbana and began his legal career in Wyoming, where he fell in love with the outdoors. In 1975, Craig moved to D.C., where he worked on Capitol Hill, served in several presidential appointments at the Interior Department and led the air program at the Environmental Protection Agency.

Charles A. "Chip" Barber IV '82

09/09/2021

Charles (Chip) Austin Barber IV died on September 9, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kathy, and their three children, Emily (John) Bear, Melissa (Jordan) Hartman and Chad (Brooke) Barber. He was blessed with two granddaughters, Maggie and Allie Bear, who adored their "Ampa."

He is also survived by his parents, Chuck and Carolyn Barber and his sister, Bryn (Terry) Fine, as well as many nieces, nephews, uncles, cousins and in-laws.

William M. Johnston '50

07/16/2021

William M. Johnston passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 16, 2021.

Born in Champaign, Illinois on October 26, 1928, Doc, as he was known to family and friends, was a proud member of the basketball team for Champaign High School, especially when the team won the high school state basketball championship in 1946.

Jeffrey Alan Strickland '76

07/15/2021

Jeffrey Alan Strickland, 67, of Seattle, died Thursday, July 15, 2021.

He was born June 21, 1954 in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Billy Dean and Jean Strickland.

He attended Guilford High School in Rockford, Illinois were he was a defensive tackle and recorded the most tackles in a season. Jeff also placed 11th in State of Illinois 185 lbs class in wrestling. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and graduate of University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.

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