James Howard Ledbetter of Ellis Grove

James Howard Ledbetter, 86, of Ellis Grove, passed away at 7:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018 at New Athens Home For The Aged in New Athens, Ill.

He was born to the late Ralph and Euluida (nee Collins) Ledbetter on September 7, 1932 in Fort Gage, Ill. James married Paulette Colvis on June 6, 1952 in Piggot, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on Dec. 24, 2006.

He had worked as a well driller and a farmer.

James was a member of the United Methodist Church of New Palestine in New Palestine, Ill. He was also a member of the V.F.W. Post #3553 in Chester and a member of Disabled Veterans. James was a Navy Veteran who served in the Korean War as a radio man on the USS DD Hazelwood.

Survivors include two sons, Paul Howard (Reyna) Ledbetter of Oklahoma City, Okla. and James Randolph (Dodee) Ledbetter of Ellis Grove; one daughter-in-law, Jackie Ledbetter of Ellis Grove; one sister, Alberta Stephens of Ellis Grove; 13 grandchildren, Christina Ledbetter, Jesse Ledbetter, Daniel Waltemate, Christopher Waltemate, Matthew Ledbetter, Stephanie Skidmore, Mitchell Ledbetter, Jett Ledbetter, Asa Ledbetter, Nicolas Ledbetter, Elijah Ledbetter, Nathaniel Ledbetter and Brianna Ledbetter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; two sons, Larry Dean and Perry Nathan Ledbetter; two daughters, Cherie Ann Caron and Charlotte Yvonne Waltemate; two grandsons, Jason Caron and Timothy Nathan Ledbetter; and one sister, Norma Jean Eggemeyer.

The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, with the Rev. Phillip Keeton officiating. Interment will be at New Palestine Cemetery, in Walsh, Ill.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester.

Memorials may be made to V.F.W. Post #3553. To view this obituary and sign the register book visit www.wpfh.net.