93-year-old Norman McFarland of McLeansboro, died at 9:47 am on Tuesday, January 5 at his home. Norman was born to Howard and Susie (Allen) McFarland on October 1, 1927 in rural Hamilton County, Illinois. On May 29, 1948, Norman married Lois Emogene Sullivan of Thompsonville.
Norman’s strong faith and hard work ethic were an inspiration to those who knew him. He was a retired farmer and was also employed for several years as Hamilton County (Illinois) Highway Supervisor. After retirement, Norman and his wife, Lois, spent many winters in Florida, where he developed his woodworking hobby of Intarsia. Norman was a long-time member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Thompsonville where he served as Deacon and Cemetery Trustee.
Norman is survived by his wife of 72 years, 5 children, 13 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Children: Dwain (Rosemary) McFarland, Jerome (Gayla) McFarland, Kevin (Debbie) McFarland, Darlene (Kenneth) Waier, and Teresa (Rick) Miller. Grandchildren: Jeremy (Kelli) McFarland, Jason (Keisha) McFarland, Leah McFarland, Krista Shelby, Matthew (Kim) McFarland, Greg (Shy) McFarland, Lindsey (James) Porter, Ashley (Derek) Launius, Alisha (Matt) Harman, Alexandra Miller, Anna Miller, Whitney (Jordon Williams) Miller, and Brandon Miller. Step-grandchildren: Zachary Miller, Logan Miller, Bryan (Chelsea) Waier, Kevin Waier and Jason (Bethany) Waier.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents (Howard and Susie McFarland), two infant sisters (Hallie and Totsie McFarland) and son-in-law (Rick Miller).
Funeral services will be held at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church (Thompsonville) on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 11:00 am. Randy Carney will officiate, assisted by Mark Cockrum. Burial immediately following in the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Cemetery Fund. In light of COVID concerns, there will be no visitation and those paying respect at the funeral are asked to maintain social distancing from elderly family members.
Sloan Funeral Home of Galatia is in charge of arrangements.