Max Franklin Lovejoy

Max Franklin Lovejoy, age 90, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 3:08 P.M. on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia, Illinois with his loving family by his side. He was born on December 1, 1927 in rural Roseville, Warren County, Illinois, the son of the late Floyd Evans and Maud Nina (Dennis) Lovejoy.  He married Leola J. “Lee” Lawrence on December 31, 1946 at the First Methodist Church in Macomb, Illinois and she preceded him in death on January 28, 1973.  He married Mamie E. (Cassedy) Brown on June 3, 1975 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois and she survives him in Centralia, Illinois.

In addition to his wife of 42 years, Mr. Lovejoy is survived by his daughter, Troyce Anderson and husband Gary of Lugoff, South Carolina; stepson Doug Brown and wife Kay of Carlyle, Illinois; stepdaughter-in-law, Carol Brown; grandchildren, Phillip Cameron Sisson and wife Allison, Leigh Anne Stewart, Dennis Brown and wife Ami, Michael Brown and wife Tracy, Lisa Brown Williams and husband Jon, John Kiah Brown and wife Karen, Paul Brown and wife Kristen, Angie Brown Salvato and husband Matt and Kyla Jo Brown; fifteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mr. Lovejoy was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Leola J. “Lee” Lovejoy; stepson, Johnny Brown; brother, Rex Lovejoy and sister, Rose Marie Carlock.

Mr. Lovejoy was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Centralia, Illinois and formerly a long-time member of the Central City United Methodist Church.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving his country during the Korean Conflict.  He was a Sergeant First Class at the time of his separation from the military services.  He was an active member of the Centralia Masonic Lodge 201 A.F. & A.M., where he was a Master Mason for 26 years.  He served several times as lodge chaplain and was very active with the pancake breakfast, Centralia Halloween Parade and the ChIP Program as he was great with children.  He was a member of the Centralia Shrine Club, where he was president in 1998 and served as treasurer several times. He was a member of the Ainad Temple in East St. Louis, Illinois.  Mr. Lovejoy was a former member of the Central City Lions Club and Centralia Moose Lodge 1219.  He was an avid member of the Raccoon Ramblers Camping Club and former member of the Centralia Squares, where he square danced at the rec center for many years.  He assisted with Centralia food banks over the years.  He was a faithful blood donor making trips over to St. Louis, as well as, donating locally later in life.  Mr. Lovejoy was known to serve in numerous capacities in every organization he was a part of.  He was a life-long volunteer and a friend to many people.  He loved humor because it covered up a lot of his hurt. He always looked on the bright side and he chose to see the good in everyone.  As it was said by his great-granddaughter in South Carolina, “Hey grandpa, it’s me.  I just wanted to say that you mean so much to my mom and I.  We get filled with joy when we talk of the trip we took to visit you last summer!  One thing I noticed while I was there, was that everywhere you went, the room was immediately filled up with joy.  I know you will be missed by everyone who has had the honor of knowing you.  You always have a twinkle in your eye and I love all of those crazy stories you tell!  And when you burst out into song; that is the best.  I couldn’t have possibly had a better great-grandpa.  My mom and I are praying for you everyday and we hope you are out of pain soon.  I love you so much.”

Mr. Lovejoy retired on December 1, 2006 as a sales associate from the westside McDonald’s Restaurant in Centralia, Illinois.  He was formerly an assistant manager with B.F. Goodrich in Centralia, Illinois for 14 years.  He graduated with Macomb High School’s “Class of 1945.” He has lived in Centralia, Illinois since November of 1953, formerly living in Macomb, Illinois and Good Hope, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Max Franklin Lovejoy will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Anita Munden officiating.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and V.F.W. Post 2055 at the church.  Friends are invited to visit with Mr. Lovejoy’s family from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church with Masonic Services accorded by the Centralia Masonic Lodge 201 at 11:50 A.M. followed by a Shriner’s walk through.  Inurnment in Hillcrest Memorial Park near Centralia, Illinois at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Lovejoy’s memory to the Cancer Research Foundation, Centralia Masonic Lodge 201 or First United Methodist Church 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. Lovejoy’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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