Leslie "Pete" Sherl

Leslie “Pete” Sherl, age 90, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 7:15 P.M. on Monday, August 28, 2017 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Illinois.  He was born on August 23, 1927 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of the late Leslie Francis Sherl, stepfather John Pinner and Ida Lea (Lary) Sherl Pinner.  He married Claralee Jarvis on August 8, 1946 in Centralia, Illinois and she survives him in Centralia, Illinois.

In addition to his wife of 71 years, Mr. Sherl is survived by his sons, William Sherl of Centralia, Illinois, Rick Sherl and special friend Tonya of Centralia, Illinois; five grandchildren, Angel Hornaday and husband Ed, Justin Sherl and fiancé April Minton, Seth Sherl and special friend Josh, Kristen Schnur and husband Jason, Calli Smith and husband Nick; eight great-grandchildren, Kayla, Cody, Daniel, Ava, Cameron, Jaxon, Brendan and Liam and loads and loads of “neighborhood” non-related nieces and nephews who called him “Uncle Pete”.

Mr. Sherl was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather John Pinner; sister, Delores Long; and daughters-in-law, Teena Sherl and Dayna Sherl.Mr. Sherl was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard-Wartime Merchant Marines serving from 1944 until 1945 and stationed on four ships that included the Otis Skinner, Davy Crockett, George Taylor and Waco Victory.  After separating from the Wartime Merchant Marines, he continued serving his country in the United States Army National Guard in the 44th Infantry Division in Centralia, Illinois.  While in the U.S. Army National Guard, he was federalized for the Korean War, but was stationed in Germany. He was a life member of Centralia V.F.W. Post 2055.  Mr. Sherl was a life member of the Centralia Masonic Blue Lodge and has been a Mason for 60 years.  He was raised in the Blue Lodge on February 8, 1957, and held the position of Worshipful Master in 1986.  He was a life member of the Valley of Southern Illinois Scottish Rite, Syrian Scottish Rites and Northern Light Scottish Rite.     

Mr. Sherl began his employment with Illinois Power as a journeyman tree trimmer for 8 years.  He then worked for the gas department of Illinois Power for 32 years in Centralia, Illinois and Vernon, Illinois. He was a member of IBEW 702 and served as a union steward.  He lived in Centralia, Illinois since 1946. 

Mr. Sherl found great pleasure in the outdoors, spending many happy times hunting, fishing and camping.  He enjoyed playing baseball, softball and pool, and belonged on a traveling pool team.  After his retirement, Mr. Sherl and his wife Claralee, traveled in their RV to every state in the continental United States expect for Hawaii. He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his kids and grandkids.

A Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Larry Miller officiating.  Interment will follow in Mt. Evergreen Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois.  Military Rites will be accorded by the Centralia V.F.W. Post 2055 and American Legion Post 446.  Family and friends are invited to visit with Mr. Sherl’s family from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at the funeral home.  A Masonic Service will be conducted by the Centralia Masonic Lodge at 7:00 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Sherl’s memory to the Centralia Masonic Lodge 201 and will be received by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mr. Sherl’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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