William Ray Phalin

William Ray Phalin, 84, of Wetaug, died at 5:35 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, at Integrity Healthcare of Anna.

He was born on June 2, 1932, in Mill Creek, the son of Willie and Nellie Powles Phalin.

He married Marlene Holderfield on Nov. 6, 1954; they enjoyed 62 years together. She preceded him in death on Jan. 5, 2017.

He was retired from the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1954. He was a lifetime member of the VFW’s Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 in Anna. He owned a lawn care business for over 40 years.

He is survived by his children, Donna (Eddie) Goins of Dongola, David (Rosa) Phalin of El Paso, Texas, Gary (Ellen) Phalin of Goreville, Terry (Gina) Phalin of Gorevile, Ruth Ward of Wetaug, Josh (Tabby) Phalin of Standardsville, Va., Andy Phalin of Anna and Micah (Jeff) Thomas of West Frankfort; 14 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marlene Phalin; a daughter, Karen; two brothers, Joe and Clifford Phalin; and two sisters, Lizzie LaCroix and Mary Smith.

Funeral services for Mr. Phalin were Monday, Feb. 20, at Crain Funeral Home in Dongola, with Derick Cummins officiating. Interment was in New Hope Cemetery. Military rites were accorded by the VFW’s Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 and the Illinois honor guard.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

Crain Funeral Home in Dongola was in charge of arrangements.