Mystic Shrine

William C. Boon '54

01/02/2024

William C. Boon '54

William C. Boon passed away on January 2, 2024 after a stoic battle with Alzheimer's. 

Bill was born in Downers Grove, Illinois on September 9, 1932. He graduated from the University of Illinois° in civil engineering where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi.    He served on the boards of the Professional Land Surveyors Association and American Society of Civil Engineers.

Hugh J. Graham III '59

11/21/2023

Hugh J. Graham III

FEBRUARY 16, 1937 – NOVEMBER 21, 2023

Hugh Joseph Graham III (Cracker) died November 21, 2023.

Cracker was born in Springfield, IL, on February 16, 1937, to Hugh Joseph Graham, Jr. and Edith Mary Larmon Graham.

Thomas E. Pollard '52

07/15/2023

Thomas E. Pollard '52

September 22, 1929 ~ July 15, 2023 (age 93)

Dr. Thomas (Tom) Earl Pollard passed away in Ballwin, MO, on July 15, 2023, with his loving wife of 70 years, Barbara, at his side. He was born at home in Wayne County, Illinois, on Sept. 22, 1929, to Charlie and Zella Pollard. They preceded Tom in death, as did his 5 brothers Ray, Raleigh, Harry, Lou & Chuck, his sister Pat Andrus, and his grandson Vincent Cascella.

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!).   

Stephen P. Wheeler '70

06/09/2023

Stephen P. Wheeler 

CHAMPAIGN - Stephen Paul Wheeler, 76, of Champaign, died at 2:29 p.m. Friday (June 9, 2023) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Funeral arrangements were incomplete at Evergreen Cremation Services, 702 Bloomington Road Suite 102, Champaign.

Published by The News-Gazette on Jun. 11, 2023.

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.

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