Edward DeBlock

Edward DeBlock, 96 of Aledo, died Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at Genesis Medical Center, Aledo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Aledo. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Viola. Visitation is Friday from 5 to 7 PM at Speer Funeral Home, where a Rosary will be recited at 7 PM. Memorials may be made to the Mercer County YMCA or St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. Edward was born on December 5, 1917 in Preemption, Township to John A. & Bertha (Johnson) DeBlock. He married Kathryn E. Smith on February 22, 1938 in Aledo. She preceded him in death on September 23, 2004. Edward dedicated his life to farming in Greene and Mercer Townships. He was a member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church; Mercer County Farm Bureau; Mercer County YMCA, where he faithfully attended; Past President of the Board of Farmers Grain, Viola. Edward and Kathryn enjoyed dancing and going to Branson, Especially the Boxcar Willie Shows. Those left to cherish Edward’s memory include his children and spouses: Victor & Susan DeBlock and Gerry & Larry Howie, All of Viola; 9 grandchildren & spouses: Colleen & John Daniels; Clinton & Dori Rigg; Charlotte Barenz; Christopher & Melissa Rigg; Diane & Chris Stanley; Debra & Mark Hansen; Kristen & Bill Lewis; John & Angie DeBlock; Matt & Kim DeBlock; 23 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathryn and a sister, Luella Myers.