Lorraine Madison ’49 reports that she had five children, now ten grandchildren and ten great grand-children. Her husband is a Doctor of Ministry, and a retired Presbyterian pastor. After graduating, she became a minister of music in South Carolina, and continued to study for years. Lorraine also became a virtuoso organ recitalist, and performed numerous recitals. Congratulations to her!
Congratulations to Mary Selk ’43, who presented a choral program at Westminister on October 5th and conducted the opening and closing pieces. The chorus was made up of 24 BHS alumni chorus members, and IWU alumnus John Waddell ’63 sang 3 solos. She has been a fantastic music teacher throughout her life.
Donna Foard ’47 reminisces on the 4 years of happiness and success at Illinois Wesleyan, where she received her degree in Music. On October 24th of 2019 she is celebrating her birthday. She has received honors in Delta Kappa Gamma as a member for 50 years, and is still active in the Washoe County Golf Course Board of Directors.
Kenneth Green ’51 has been singing Barbershop for over 67 years, and has been a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society for 66 years. He recalls memories from his years as a barbershopper, such as singing for the armed forces in a very large quartet, seeing his favorite quarter the Schmitt Brothers, and wearing a dress in the comedy quartet the Tonsil Klackers. He has been in 4 chapters in 2 different states, and continues to lead barbershopping rehearsals. The Tonsil Klackers were inducted into the Cardinal District Hall of Fame before they retired. Congratulations, Kenneth!
I am saddened to report that Dennis Mattix, age 81 of Joliet, passed away May 2, 2019 at home with his family by his side. Born November 15, 1937 in St. Elmo, Illinois, Dennis was the son of George and Gladys (Yakel) Mattix. He graduated from St. Elmo High School in 1955, Illinois Wesleyan University in 1959 and later obtained a master’s degree in education. He devoted the next thirty-five years to teaching physical education, driver’s education and coaching basketball. He retired from Plainfield School District 202 in 1993. He was an active member of Hope United Methodist Church and his fraternity Phi Gamma Delta. Dennis was a golfer, sports enthusiast and lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. Most of all, he was a husband, father and grandfather who cherished all of his days with his family. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Wanda; five children: Lori Mattix, Penny Mattix, Monty (Diana) Mattix, Lane Mattix and Blake ’91 (Julie) Mattix; nine grandchildren, a special niece, Karen and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Read the full obituary here.
I am saddened to announce the passing of James “J.C.” Moore ’48 on November 9th, 2017 with his family at his side. J.C. was born on January 22, 1925. He was a standout athlete in high school, and continued playing football and basketball at Illinois Wesleyan University. He married Joyce in 1949, and the two had three daughters while they taught and coached in central Illinois. After obtaining his Masters in Education from Eastern Illinois University, he and his family moved to Mattoon, where he became the head guidance counselor at the high school. J.C. was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and they gave him tremendous amounts of joy throughout his life. He is survived by Joyce, his daughters, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren.
Read the full obituary here.
Bill Labounty ’52 volunteers at McLean County Museum of History. Bill works with their publications, newsletter and Cemetery Walk program printing. He published a book of maps which is still for sale at the museum. He has worked at the museum since 1994. Bill was Director of Printing at ISU from 1970-1993. 
Harlan’s hobby of making “statuettes” of bocce players, dogs, tennis players, grand-kids, etc. has provided the funding for his wife (Jeannine) and him to travel extensively–mostly to national and state parks around the U.S.. As a new adjunct to this hobby, He has added “wine bottle art,” again all personalized with people’s photos and names. With well over 1,000 wineries within 50 miles of their home in Rio Vista, CA, there are no problems getting free wine bottles for the newest hobby modification. He thinks back to all the photo classes he took at IWU and he’s appreciative as old age has pushed him into new ventures. He says that “Retirement can be fun!”
