Leroy Wise

Leroy “Joker” Wise, 92, of Canton, passed away at 10:01 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at Graham Hospital in Canton. He was born March 19, 1916 in Cass Co., IL to Charles H. and Ethel Mae(Buxton) Wise. He married Eva Mae Smith in 1940. In 1974 he married Martha Mason in Lewistown. She passed away in 1996. He married Addie Cohee on October 11, 1997 whom he had known since 1934. She survives. Mr. Wise is survived by his wife, Addie of Lewistown, one son, Leroy (Connie) Wise Jr. of Cuba, IL, daughter, Ethel Marie (John) Gage of Macomb, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and one sister, Ethel Mae Alvies of Pleasant Plains. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Bonnie (Pollitt) Vancil, four sisters, three brothers, one half sister and three son in laws. He was a very patriotic man who received an award in Lewistown for flying his flag every day. At age 18, he attended the Civilian Conservation Corps and served with them for six months and then went to work on a friends farm near Kilbourne for several years until his marriage. He worked at the Havana Metal Wheel Works until taking a job at International Harvester for 31 years, retiring in 1977. There he was given an award for discovering a way to make his job more efficient. After retirement, he enjoyed woodworking, making many things for his home and friends. He also mowed yards in Lewistown, Canton Joker loved his family, loved life and worked at many jobs. He played guitar and harmonica. He enjoyed fishing and mushroom hunting. He played his harmonica last at the Clayberg Nursing Home in Cuba. He had formerly been a member of 1st Baptist Church in Canton since 1958. After marrying Addie, he attended church faithfully in Havana and became a member there on January 2, 2004. He loved his savior and prayfully thanked him often. He also loved his dog “Missy” and she was never far from his side. Funeral services will be held at the Hurley Funeral Home in Havana on Friday, March 13, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation on Thursday evening from 5:00 until 7:00. Burial will follow the services at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown. Pastor Dave Byrd will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to 1st Baptist Church of Havana or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Leroy Wise

March 19, 1916 - March 10, 2009

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