Sherrill L. 'Sonnie' Dempke of Du Quoin

Sherrill L. "Sonnie" Dempke, age 80, of Du Quoin, passed away at 2:35 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, at Du Quoin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Sherrill was born at Kaskaskia Island on May 22, 1941, the son of Henery and Ruth (Kreilter) Dempke. He married Audrey L. (Owens) Lynn in Cutler, Illinois on Dec. 31, 1995.

Sonnie was a U.S. Army Veteran. Prior to his retirement, he made many friends while working jobs he enjoyed, including manager of Hills Hardware in Du Quoin, bartender of the bowling alley, truck driver, and even a metal polisher.

Sonnie was a big part of the VFW, where he was very active and served as bartender. He was a proud member of the Storm Rider Motorcycle Club, allowing him to embrace his love of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Survivors include his wife, Audrey L. Dempke of Du Quoin; sons Brian (JoEllen) Crawford of Chester and Carl (Robin) Crawford of Ellis Grove; daughters Diana (Kenny) Batten of Chester and Samandrea Crain of Chester; stepdaughters Melisa (Bill) Mayfield of Fort Branch, Indiana, Kristina Lynn (special friend Jesse James) of Du Quoin and Debra (Kevin) Copple of Haines City, Florida; stepson Brian Scott (Michelle Lynn) of Du Quoin; 20 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren and 12 step-great-grandchildren; brothers, Paul (Edna) Dempke of Erwin, Tennessee and Henery Anthony Dempke of St. Mary, Missouri; sisters Alfrieda Patterson of Cutler and Loretta (Kenneth) Head of St. Mary, Missouri; brother-in-law Tom Knight of St. Mary, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Sonnie was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Alexander Phelps; two brothers, Phillip and Robert Dempke; two sisters, Shirley Ritter and Patricia Parks; and a great-nephew, Michael Mooney.

Cremation rites will be accorded through Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home in Du Quoin. The family will hold memorial services at a later date. Service information will be updated as it becomes available.

In honor of Mr. Dempke's veteran status, a retired American flag will accompany him during cremation. The family will be presented with a framed star swatch from this same flag.

For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. Envelopes will be accepted at Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home, 11 S. Hickory St., Du Quoin, IL 62832, or by calling (618) 542-2020.