Everett "Porter" Austin Moss

1919 - 2008

Everett "Porter" Austin Moss, 88, of Petersburg, died on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at St. Johns Hospital in Springfield. He was born October 31, 1919 in Oakford, to James Elmer and Ollie Jane Breeden Moss. He graduated from Kilbourne Township High School in 1938. He married Susie Abigail Smith on October 26, 1940 in Bowling Green, MO.

He is survived by his wife, Susie; two daughters, Judith (Duane) Greenhalgh of Petersburg, and Susan (Donald) Full of Greenview; a sister, Jane Merrill of Springfield;  two grandsons, Michael (Priscilla) Greenhalgh and Dale (Diana) Greenhalgh, all of Metamora; three step granddaughters, Tara (Kent) Atchison of Springfield, Tiffany (Mohit) Verma of Decatur, and Tamara Full of Superior, Colorado; nine great grand children, Megan Elizabeth, Gretchen Jane, Margaret Kathleen, Nicholas Dale, Sean Michael, David Andrew, Daniel Lee, Zachariah Duane, and Emma Jane Greenhalgh, all of Metamora.; two step great granddaughters, Lillian Grace and Eliza Kate Atchison of Springfield; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers, Walter, Raymond, Andrew, Russell, Emerson, Edward, and Finas; one sister, Della Mae Allen; and one son, Gary Wayne.

Mr. Moss was a retired dairy and grain farmer. His farming career spanned over 40 years, primarily in the Indian Point area.  He was a 4-H leader, Indian Point PTA President, and Menard County Commissioner from 1982 – 1990. He was also a member of CIEDC Board, Menard County Caring Board, Menard County Fair Board, Rotary Clubs in Athens and Petersburg, and Culver Elevator Board, serving several years as the President. He was a past member of the Athens Lions Club. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow through Petersburg Rotary Club.

He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Petersburg, serving as Sunday School teacher and as Trustee. He was on the trustee committee, which oversaw the building of the present church.

He was an Honorary Illinois FFA Alumnus, and an avid Cubs fan. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed serving his community.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 15, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Petersburg. Rev. Thomas Eggley and Rev. Ronald Simpson will be officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg.

Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Petersburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Petersburg, or Menard County Fair General Fund.