Maxine “Mickey” Drexler ’46 ’57 of Bloomington, Illinois, died Sept. 25, 2019. She was 94. Mickey earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in voice performance at Illinois Wesleyan, and received the outstanding music award at commencement in 1946. Mickey taught voice at IWU for 35 years. She additionally served as president of IWU’s Alumni Association and League of Women. She was a lifelong member of First Christian Church, where she sang in the choir, occasionally as a soloist, and for many years directed choirs. She also served as a deacon and taught Sunday and vacation Bible school. She was also active in Sigma Alpha Iota, P.E.O. International, Amateur Musical Club Board and Habitat for Humanity. She was a member of a bridge club for more than 60 years and loved golf, sewing, decorating, crafts, gardening and dinner parties. She corresponded regularly with many of her former students and colleagues. She also loved to travel with family and students. She is survived by two children.

Read the full obituary here.

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.

Unfortunately, Joyce Ann Hammer ’59 passed away on August 8th, 2018.