Walter South

Walter Cooper South, 98, of Norris City passed away Monday, September 3, 2012 at Shelby Manor in Shelbyville, IL. He was born July 28, 1914 in Norris City, IL the son of William Oscar and Flossie Inez (Gregory) South. Cooper married his high school sweetheart Bonnie Ruth Welch on September 15, 1935. He owned and operated South Machine Shop and in later years South Relics in Norris City. Cooper attended the Norris City Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was a life-time member of May Lodge #718 and Eastern Star, was a founding leader of the Norris City DeMolay and Jobs Daughters Chapters, and was one of the original members and served over 50 years on the Norris City Volunteer Fire Department.

Cooper is survived by his wife, Bonnie; a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Fred Doerner of Shelbyville, IL; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Gary and Elizabeth (Libbie) South of Rochester, IL, Richard South of Big Bear Lake, CA and Charles and Ellen South of Lancaster, OH; three granddaughters, Valerie Eve Nottingham, Sarah Rachel Bruenning and Stacey Govito; a step-grandson, Myron Lee Mendenhall; four great-grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren.

Cooper was preceded in death by two brothers, Roy and Homer South and a sister, Helen South.

Cooper enjoyed spending time with his family and his many friends from Norris City and surrounding communities.

Funeral Services for Walter Cooper South, 98, of Norris City will be Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City with Reverend Justin Griffin officiating. Burial will be in Union Cemetery in Norris City. Friends may call at Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Masonic Service by the May Lodge #718 will be held at 7:00 p.m. Memorial Contributions may be made in Cooper's name to the May Lodge #718 Building Fund or to the Norris City Volunteer Fire Department.