Barbara Killion

Barbara J. Killion, 85, of Carmi, passed away on April 13, 2016 with her son by her side. She was born November 20, 1930 to Ben C. and Bernice (Byrne) Winter. Barbara is survived by her son, David Kent Killion; four brothers, and sisters-in-law, Bill Winter, Ron and Kay Winter and Ken Winter all of Carmi, and Omar and Carol Winter of La Jolla, CA; and a sister, Bonnie Webb of McLeansboro. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dave Killion, and brothers, Harold Winter and Robert Winter.

Barbara married her husband of 47 years, Dave Killion on October 28, 1951. They had one son, David Kent, born on March 3, 1954. Dave and Barbara lived in Carmi their entire lives, and both enjoyed attending Carmi schools' sporting events.

Barbara graduated as salutatorian from Carmi Township High School in 1948. She continued to enjoy learning new things throughout her life. After high school, Barbara was employed at the abstract office and then as a bookkeeper for a Carmi auto dealership. Later, she got the chance to work for Ralph Stotts of Oil Field Electric. In 1978, after working there for many years, she and Don Kesler of Anna, Illinois were given the opportunity to purchase the company from the Stotts family. Mrs. Killion ran Oil Field Electric until they sold the company and retired in 1998. During her retirement years she enjoyed volunteering at Carmi elementary schools helping children improve their reading skills.

Emmanuel United Methodist Church was a very important part of Barbara's life. She seldom missed Sunday morning services and always looked forward to seeing her church friends and family. She enjoyed helping with church dinners, keeping the financial records, and serving on committees with the other ladies, especially her cousins, Doris Stark and Wilma Schumaker.

Barbara spent her life working countless hours at her business, attending Emmanuel United Methodist Church, and taking care of her family of which she was so proud. She was a loving mother, wife and sister. She will be greatly missed by her son, David Kent, and by her family. Mrs. Barbara J. Killion lived an exemplary life and was considered by those who knew her to be a thoughtful, intelligent and fine lady.

Funeral services for Barbara J. Killion, 85, of Carmi will be at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Burial will be in White County Memorial Garden in Carmi. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, APril 18, 2016 at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara's memory to Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Summer Lunch Program, 203 Edgewood Lane, Carmi, IL 62821 or will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home.