J.C. "Jeff" Wantland Obituary (1917 - 2016)

J.C. "Jeff" Wantland, 99, of Macon, IL passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at St. John's Hospital, Springfield. A service to honor and celebrate Jeff's life will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, November 18, 2016 at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Macon with Masonic Rite service beginning at 12:15 p.m. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Friday. Jeff will be laid to rest at South Macon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Macon United Methodist Church. Jeff was born on October 31, 1917 in Sheridan, IL, the son of Lewellen L. and Orpha (Moad) Wantland. He was a World War II Navy Veteran where he served in the South Pacific for 2 1/2 years. Jeff was a member of the Macon United Methodist Church since February 15, 1956. He was also a life member of South Macon Lodge #467, 70 year member of Springfield Consistory-Ansar Shrine, American Legion South Macon Post #72, Elks #401, and a life member of the V.F.W. Jeff married Hildred Callison on February 14, 1941. Jeff was employed at Allis Chalmers in Danville for 2 years, A.C. Hooker & Sons in Rossville, IL and Sales in Sidel, IL, Dell Carroll in Macon, IL, Berry Construction and the Illiopolis IL Ordinance Plant as a Corporal Guard. He was the owner/operator of B.B.&W. Highway Construction retiring in 1975. His wife Hildred retired early to enjoy as much life that was left for the two of them, visiting all 50 states. On October 31, 2016 Jeff enjoyed his 99th birthday! Jeff is survived by his wife: Hildred Wantland of Macon, IL; nephew: Richard A. "Rick" Callison and his wife Sandra and their son Dr. Eric R. Callison; two nieces: Candace Frye and her husband Mark and their daughter Madelyn, Penny Bates and her son Troy. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Florence Adams and his brother: Lawrence Wantland. The family wishes to thank Dr. Tom M. Bilyeu and his staff of Springfield Clinic in Moweaqua, IL, HSHS St. John's Hospital of Springfield, IL staff and nurses, especially Janet Guhlstorf and Bethany Gowdy. Many friends and neighbors we thank you so much.