Bernie Goatley

Graveside services for Bernie Goatley, 91 of Aledo, will be Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 10:30 AM at the Elmwood Cemetery, Equality, Illinois. Rev. Bob Hale will officiate. Bernie died on Monday, August 4, 2008 at the Mercer County Hospital, Aledo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Aledo Senior Citizens Center. A memorial service will be held at the Mercer County Senior Citizens' Center in Aledo on Friday, August 22, at 1:30 p.m. Speer Funeral Home, Aledo is in charge of local arrangements. Bernie was born on October 8, 1916 in Johnston City, Illinois to James & Emma (Jones) Goatley. He was a graduate of Equality High School. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served from 1941 to 1945, including the invasion of Normandy, D-Day, 3 years overseas in active war. After his military service, Bernie attended Southern Illinois University, graduating with a Bachelors degree in Education and also did Graduate work in English and Special Education. Upon completion of his education he was employed with various public and military schools in Saybrook, Lake Zurich and lastly, Roosevelt Military Academy in Aledo. Bernie also was a 1973 graduate of the Lewis-Hotel-Motel Schools for Management, Washington DC. He was also a previous member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; American Legion; Lions Club; Kiwanis; PTA and many other Education Associations. After his retirement from teaching, Bernie did various jobs, including Kitchen Manager for the Aledo VFW Post #1571. He enjoyed spending time with friends at the Aledo Senior Citizens Center and was active in the Aledo Church of the Nazarene. Bernie is survived by a niece and nephew and their families: Pat & Ron Gaul of Overland Park, Kansas and Sam & Betty Morris of Dixon, Illinois. He is also survived by a special friend and his family: Bob & June Hale of Sterling, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents and 6 siblings.