John William Mullen, 86, of Coffeen, died at 1:40 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, May 29, 2022, at Montgomery Nursing and Rehabilitation in Hillsboro.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 3, at the Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home in Greenville and from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday, June 4. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Ward Sussenbach officiating. Interment will follow at Union Grove Cemetery.
Mr. Mullen, was born on Nov. 25, 1935, on his family’s farm, north of Greenville, the son of Elvin Valentine Mullen and Dessie Ruth (Grigg) Mullen. He married Judy Strockich.
Mr. Mullen was raised north of Greenville and graduated from Hillsboro High School with the class of 1953. Like his father, he worked for the Pennsylvania Central Railroad for a time. Mr. Mullen then worked out of the Greenville Labor Local. In 1962, he joined the Olin Family as a machinist working as a Metal Roller for 35 years and retiring in 1997.
Mr. Mullen loved pitching horseshoes and traveled all over becoming one of the best in his class and an Illinois State Champion, as well as a World Champion. In retirement, Mr. Mullen was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Baseball fan, enjoyed his cows, hogs, bailing hay and reading westerns. He was a former member of the Greenville Labor Local, and a member of the Olin Metal Workers Association.
He is survived by his children, Deborah Denise (the late James) Leonard of Idaho and Karl Elvin Mullen of Coffeen; two grandchildren, Robert Ray Malan and Clinton Mullen; four great-grandchildren, Makyla and Robert Malan Jr., Wrenlee Tucker Mullen and Ty; and four siblings, Lucette Darlene “Dot” (the late Bobby) Thacker of Greenville, Peggy A, Mullen, Ruth A. Mullen, both of Coffeen, and Leslie (wife Mary) Mullen of Coffeen.
Mr. Mullen was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Betty (Ira) Oglesby.
Memorials may be made to the Union Grove Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.donnellwiegand.com.
