William E. Britt
William E. Britt, 74, of Jonesboro, died Friday, April 23, 2021, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. His family was with him when he passed.
He was born on Jan. 26, 1947, in Cairo, the son of the Rev. S.E. and Mary Britt, the day of his mother’s birthday.
He married Linda Duschl on June 23, 1968, at Salem Lutheran Church in Jonesboro. They were together for 52 years.
Mr. Britt was an elementary school teacher in the Cobden School Unit District 17 for more than 30 years. He was an active member and leader in the local teacher’s union and served in leadership roles for both the Illinois Education Association and National Education Association during his career.
He retired in 2005 but remained active in education as both a substitute teacher and support staff in other school districts in the decade that followed.
He graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1973 from the College of Education and Human Services.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served his country in combat in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. While stationed there, he also taught English to Vietnamese children.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Anna but had been homebound in worship for several years.
William was preceded in death by his father, the Rev. S.E. Britt in 2002, and his mother, Mary Britt in 2005.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Britt; his two daughters and their spouses, Christie and Tim Etherton of Murphysboro and Theresa and Caleb Hale of Jonesboro; grandchildren Liam and Hannah Hale; his mother-in-law, Betty Duschl of Jonesboro; aunt Wanda Bowen of Anna; in-laws Robert and Linda Duschl of Fort Myers, Fla.; nephew Timothy Duschl; as well as many other beloved relatives.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 28, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Anna, with Father Uriel Salamanca officiating.
Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements.
To view his memorial page and to leave online condolences for the family, visit rendlemanhilemanfh.com.