Clarence Lester Key Obituary (1920 - 2009)

Clarence Lester “Les” Key, 89, Durand, Illinois, died at 1:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2009 in Medina Manor Nursing Center, Durand, Illinois after a lengthy illness. Born February 27, 1920 in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel and Kate Ellen (Belk) Key. Lived 31 years in Lake Summerset, coming here from Champaign, Illinois. Married the former Wanda Yardley in Mason City, Illinois on December 22, 1946. He was employed as a pharmacist by Freeport Hospital. Veteran of World War II serving as a medical corpsman with the 95th Medical Gas Battalion. Member of Durand United Methodist Church, past commander of Durand American Legion Gold Star Post #676, Lions Club of both Durand and Champaign and past exalted ruler of the Urbana Illinois Elks Club. Graduated from the University of Illinois at Navy Pier in Chicago in June 1947. Survivors include daughters Ellen (Brad) Holmberg, Lake Summerset, Illinois, Leslee Dimke, Winnebago, Illinois and Kellee (David) Fisher, Glenview, Illinois; seven grandchildren Scott, Eric, Loree, David, Kate, Matthew and William; seven great grandchildren Paige, Niki, Morgan, Ethan, Jordan, Liam and Andrew and out of Les’ 15 child family surviving are two brothers Cyril (Cy) Key, Rockford, Illinois and Francis (Mugs) Key, California and one sister Libby Key Richardson, Rockford, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 11 brothers and sisters and son-in-law Bill Dimke. Memorial ceremonies will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2009 at Durand United Methodist Church 102 East Main Street, Durand, Illinois with Dr. Bruce Parmenter, semi-retired pastor of the Christian Church, Lincoln, Illinois, officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in Grandview Memorial Gardens Champaign, Illinois. Cremation rites were accorded. McCorkle Funeral Home 101 Main Street, Durand, Illinois assisted the family. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service Saturday, June 27.