Rudolph C. Michael

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Rudolph C. "Tooter" Michael, 86, of Du Quoin, passed away at 4:52 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Tooter had worked for forty-eight years at Freeman Mine #11 and retired as a bull dozer operator. He was of the Baptist faith. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II, having served for four years. He was a member of UMW of A Local 5134 and was active in the union and had served on various committees until his retirement. He was also a member of the Du Quoin American Legion. Tooter had coached for the Kohury League and American Legion during the 1950's and 1960's. He enjoyed coaching and they brought home many trophies. He enjoyed all sports, playing ball and bowling in his earlier life. His hobbies were gardening and he enjoyed sharing the vegetables with others. His joy at retirement was being able for he and Irma to spend their winter months with their son in Nevada.

He was born Aug. 4, 1923 at Du Quoin, Ill., the son of Rudolph and Anna (Hambuch) Michael.

He married Irma M. Jackson on Feb. 21, 1948 at Marion, Ark. and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, one son - Rudy R. Michael and wife Mariya of Las Vegas, Nev., one brother-in-law - Louis Jackson and wife Betty of Columbus, Ind., one sister-in-law - Eileen Jackson of Du Quoin, several nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother - Willard "Red" Michael, brother-in-law - Loren Jackson and wife Ann and brother-in-law - Kenneth Jackson.

Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Joe Wagner officiating.

Friends called from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial was in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.

Military graveside rites were conducted by the Du Quoin American Legion and V.F.W.

Friends may make memorials to the Food Pantry, First Baptist Church Building Fund or American Heart Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.