Bernard R. Sturm, 97, of Grayville, IL, died at his home at 10 a.m., Sunday, October 29. Bernard was a 1938 graduate of Crossville High School. After high school, he attended and graduated from the St. Louis College of Mortuary Science. Bernard was an apprentice at funeral homes before buying his own in Grayville on Feb. 14, 1944, from John Nash. The purchase of the funeral home also included a furniture store in downtown Grayville. He and Juanita operated both businesses for a while, selling the furniture store a few years later.
In 1972, he built a funeral chapel in Crossville. That same year, his son-in-law and daughter, Dennis and Bernita Campbell, joined him and Juanita in business. Bernard was very active in his community, having served on the Grayville City Council and Grayville School Board. He personally made many trips back and forth to Chicago to work to establish the Grayville Community Unit School District #1 — the very first school district in the state of Illinois. While serving as Gas Commissioner for the city, he traveled to Washington, DC, and testified before several senate committees. He was on the Board of Directors for Peoples National Bank of Grayville from 1981-1992.
He was a 73-year member of the Grayville Lions Club and a past president of that organization. He was a chairman of the Tri-State Oil Show and board member for several years in the 1950s. He was a member of Ainad Shrine Temple of East St. Louis and the Scottish Rite for 72 years. Bernard became a 32º Mason in 1945. He was awarded a life membership in Sheba Lodge #200 in 1991. He was honored with a Life Membership at Grayville Moose Lodge #1960 in 2011 and was a 56-year member of that organization.
He was a former member and board member for various funeral director organizations. He was a member of the Mt. Carmel Elks. He was a member of the Grayville First United Methodist Church and Grayville Community Arts Association and supported many of his granddaughter’s projects, including Arts Camp.
Sturm Funeral Homes sold to Thomas and Beth Cook in 2003 after 59 years of service to the community.
Survivors include his daughter Rita Sturm Pawly of O’Fallon, MO, granddaughter and grandson-in law Andi and Doug Ford of Grayville and son-in-law Dennis Campbell of Kuttawa, KY; great-grandsons, Zachary Will, Aiden Schwartz and Jacob and Tanner Ford; nieces Georgia Sturm Davis and Beverly Davenport and nephew John Sturm.
Funeral services for Bernard Sturm will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 at the Cook Chapel in Grayville with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery at Grayville.
Visitation is 4-7 pm, Wednesday, November 1, 2017, at Cook Funeral Chapel in Grayville with Masonic Rites at 7 pm.
Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals For Children and will be accepted at Cook Funeral Chapel.