John N. Qualls

John N. Qualls, 87, of Tamaroa, passed away at 1:15 A.M., Friday, February 20, 2004 at the Fair Acres Nursing Home in Du Quoin.
John retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation after twenty-six years of service.  He was also a retired farmer.  He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Du Quoin, where he was baptized on December 28, 1952 by Rev. Walter G. Dierks.  He was a U.S. Army Paratrooper serving in W.W. II.  He was discharged as a Staff Sargent.  While serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Campaign he received five Overseas Bars.  While serving in the Philippine Liberation Campaign he received one Bronze Star.  He had served as a Perry County Republican Party Precinct Committeeman for many years and was a member of Red Poll Cattleman's Association.
He was born February 26, 1916 at Girard, IL, the son of Harley and Pearl (Cameron) Qualls.
He married Ethel E. Bartling on August 31, 1945 at Nashville, IL and she preceded him in death on February 22, 2001.
He is survived by four sisters - Mildred Wegner of Schaumburg, IL, Mae McCuiston of Hattiesburg, MS, Loretta McConnell of Oakdale, IL and Viola Ermisch of Berkeley, IL, two sister-in-laws - Dora Stephenson of Berwyn, IL and Deline Bartling of Nashville, IL, several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers - Elmo, Lowell and Glen and one sister - Glinda Jaburek.
Funeral services were at 10:00 A.M., Monday, February 23, 2004 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Du Quoin with Rev. John E. Johnson officiating.
Friends called from 5 to 8 P.M., Sunday at the Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa and from 9 to 10 A.M., Monday at the church.
Interment was in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.
Graveside rites were conducted by the Du Quoin VFW Post 513.
Friends may make memorials to the Bethel Lutheran Church.
