Thursday, March 28, 2024

Loren J. Sickling – Obituary

Loren J. Sickling, age 84 years, a resident of rural Dongola, passed away Monday morning, May 1, 2017, at 7:30 AM at his home.

Loren was born September 14, 1932 near Dongola. He was the second of four children born to Fred J. and Lora (Mizell) Sickling.

On August 5, 1966, Loren was united in marriage to Kathryn Goins at the Karnak United Methodist Church. Together, they shared over 50 years of marriage.

In addition to his wife, Loren is survived by a daughter – Julie Bailey of Dongola; 2 grandchildren – Katelyn Bailey and Nathan Bailey; a brother – Oral (his wife, Letha) of Calvert City, Kentucky; a brother-in-law – Rockne Ragsdale; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Loren was preceded in death by: 2 sisters – Melba Ragsdale and Lucile (her husband, Leon) Davis.

Loren was a member of the graduating class of 1950 from Ullin High School. He was honored to serve as the class president and was the valedictorian. Loren reflected that his graduating class was composed of “eleven boys and no girls.”

Loren entered military service in January 1953. He received his basic training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. In March 1953, Loren was assigned to the 99th Battalion of anti-aircraft artillery and was stationed in Detroit, Michigan. He served as a radar operator. Later, Loren was sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for 17 weeks to receive training in radio repair. He was then returned to Detroit where he served in headquarters as a radio operator. Loren was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in January 1955 at Fort Harrison, Indiana.

Loren loved the land and farming. He operated a family peach and apple orchard for many years. Additionally, Loren and Kathryn painted homes throughout the area. Later, Loren was employed as a rural letter carrier for the Dongola Post Office. He retired in January 1996 after 10 years of service.

Loren was a devout Christian. He was a devoted member of the Maple Grove Baptist Church in the Perks community. Loren was ordained a deacon at the age of 18 years and served faithfully for 66 years.

In his spare time, Loren loved to fish and is remembered for his oversized vegetable gardens. He freely shared from the bounty of his garden with friends and neighbors.

A service honoring the life of Loren Sickling will be held Friday morning, May 5, 2017, at 10 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Pete Vinson will officiate. Burial will be in the Cache Chapel Cemetery near Ullin.

Visitation will be conducted Thursday, May 4, 2017, from 4 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.

Memorials may be made to the Maple Grove Baptist Church, 2883 Long Reach Road, Ullin, Illinois 62992.