Everett Rush

Everett “EJ” Rush, age 85, of Athens, passed away on Friday, May 27, 2016 at his residence.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; children, Cheryl McKnelly of Rochester, Brian Rush of Springfield, David (Pam) Beckner of Cantrall, Lisa Dungey of Springfield, and Mary (Jim) Dial of Riverton; grandchildren, Matt (Bobbi) Purnell of Edinburg, Gregory (Allison) Dungey of Kalamazoo, MI, Rachel (Nick) Bandy of New Berlin, Catlin Beckner of Cantrall, Jesse (Colleen) Beckner of Naples, FL, Shawna Dial of Springfield, and Shelby Dial of Springfield; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Richard Rush of Springfield and Herb (Donna) Rush of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Jesse Rush.

Everett was born July 13, 1930 in Springfield, Illinois.

He graduated from Springfield High School and from Springfield College.

He worked for Illinois Department of Transportation for almost 37 years as a Structural Draftsman.

Everett was a member of the Athens United Methodist Church, Blue Ridge Club, Retired State Employee Association, and Gold Wing Road Riders.

He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and loved baseball.  Everett was a huge U of I basketball fan and watched games religiously.  He enjoyed motorcycle riding, boating, and building or fixing anything.

Everett was a member of the 406 Engineers U.S. Army, stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany from 1952 until 1955.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, June 2 also at the funeral home.

Rev. Paulette Cott will be officiating.

Burial will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery immediately following the services.