Glenn Warren Painter, Sr., 97, of Litchfield, died at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, at 5:50 p.m.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Funeral services will follow at noon at the funeral home, with the Rev. Cynthia Munker, pastor of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Honey Bend.
Mr. Painter was born on Sept. 28, 1924, on the family farm near Barnett, a son of Franklin Benjamin “Peck” and Ethel Grace (Saxby) Painter. His first marriage was to Frances Mae Stockman on Feb. 19, 1949, and they later divorced. On Jan. 31, 1975, he married Cleta Irene Wiseman and she preceded him in death on Aug. 9, 2010.
A veteran of the United States Army Air Corps, Mr. Painter went on to receive his GED diploma. During his time in the service, he attained the rank of staff sargent and was a top turret gunner serving in campaigns in Naples and Foggia, Roma and Arno Italy, Apennine Mountains of Southern France.
Mr. Painter flew over 32 combat missions over enemy lines in B29 bomber planes, and was shot down over the Mediterranean Sea. He received several decorations and citations for his service, including the French Distinguished Unit Citation, the Air Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster, the distinguished unit badge with one oak leaf cluster and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with four bronze stars.
Well-known in local political circles, Mr. Painter served as Democrat Precinct Committeeman for Precinct #2 for South Litchfield Township. He was a member of the Montgomery County Board for 32 years, serving South Litchfield Township District #5.
A member of Donnellson Lodge #255 A.F.&A.M. in Donnellson, he was known for putting out large gardens and shared his bounty with friends and those in need. Mr. Painter enjoyed his social time visiting with folks at area coffee shops and restaurants.
He farmed along with working for the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. Mr. Painter attended Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield.
He is survived by his children, Glenn Painter, Jr. of Auburn, Anna Marie (Larry) Watkins of Ozark, MO, Pauline (Danny) Freytag of Benld, Jane (Joe Ragsdale) Painter of St. Louis, MO, Kathleen Painter of Raymond and Paul (Shanel Rhodes) Painter of Litchfield; his grandchildren, Stephanie (Jason) Griffith, William (Michelle) Ellinger, Dustin (Dee) Ellinger, Douglas (Kelli) Ellinger and Landon Painter, all of Litchfield and Erika Painter of Stonington; his great-grandchildren, Dylan Boerckel, Kacie Boerckel, Shawnee Boerckel, Dominic Ellinger, Melody Ellinger, Alec Ellinger, Jayden Ellinger, Jayse Ellinger, Dalton Ellinger, Faith Ellinger and Elysse Ellinger all of Litchfield and Braden Ebert of Stonington; his great-great grandson, Brody Boerckel of Litchfield; numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, including special sister-in-law, Irene Painter of Litchfield and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Mr. Painter was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert, Roscoe, Frank, Paul, Billy, Richard, Maynard and John; and his sister, Marie Edwards.
The family suggests memorials be directed to Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, Litchfield Food Pantry or Meals on Wheels.
To sign the online guest book, light a virtual candle or for more information, visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
