John Midyett

John Midyett, 96, of Sonoma, Calif. died June 15, 2000 at his home in Sonoma.
	Mr. Midyett was born December 21, 1903 in Dowell.  In his youth, John was a coal miner and a life member of the Dowell Moose Lodge.  A member of the machinists union, John was a screw machine operator for many years, becoming a foreman and retiring at age 68.
	He moved to Los Angeles in 1936, then to Sonoma in the 1950s.  In the last months of his life, he could be seen around town on his motorized cart, which he loved since it afforded him new independence.  He was a frequent guest in the home of Jessie Geiger of DuQuoin.  John lived life to its fullest and will be survived by his many anecdotes of his lifes experiences and adventures.
	He loved and collected elephants, hoping one day to visit Africa.  He had a favorite toast, I hope you live forever ... and I never die.  John nearly did exactly that.  He will be dearly missed.
	Mr. Midyett is survived by Mr. and Mrs. Dick Midyett, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Midyett, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rodgers, Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Webster, Mrs. Peggy Butterfield of Michigan, Mrs. and Mrs. Robert Thompson of Florida, step-daughter, Valerie Lamon of California, aunts, Anna Dowell and Buleah Page of DuQuoin and many friends in Sonoma.
	As requested by John, private services were conducted by the Neptune Society.
	Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donors choice.
