Jack Ernest Stults, 99, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 8:30 pm January 2, 2023. He was born January 1, 1924, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Ernest and Hattie (Sage) Stults.
Jack married Marlene (Linder) Stults on September 25, 1973, in Evansville, Indiana. They were blessed with 49 years of marriage.
In addition to his beloved wife, Jack is survived by his devoted daughter, Jackie Stults, and adoring grandson, Tristan, both of Mount Vernon. He is also survived by his niece, Carol Ann Stults; and nephews, Rex Stults, Randy Stults, and Dick Harrington.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, George Stults, Harry Stults, and Ruth Derlitzky.
Jack proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He was drafted in February 1943 at the age of 19 to the Army, Company. He served three years with the 100th Infantry Division 252. Jack was the Machine Gun Section Leader in Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star Valor, Bronze Star Heroic Achievement, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Expert Marksman for Pistol and Rifle, Expert Infantry Man, and a Combat Infantry Badge for combat in Rhineland, France. In March 1945, his company liberated Bitche, France. This was the first time that the region had been taken by force in over 200 years. He is the current guardian of his company’s battle flag. He was honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant in February 1946.
After his military service, Jack enrolled at Milliken University in Decatur, Illinois, graduating with a Master’s Degree. He taught school for fifteen years in Logan and Macon counties before joining Illinois Power Company. He retired in 1988 as a service area office manager. Jack was a chapter member and second-past president of the Southern Illinois Employee Relations Association. He was the charter president of the Mount Vernon Convention and Visitors Bureau and served for ten years as the Mount Vernon coordinator for Junior Achievement of Mississippi Valley, Inc. Jack was a past president and current member of the Executive Committee of Lions Regional Eye Care Committee of Southern Illinois. He was also the chairman of the Gateway Lions and Partners. He held all offices in the Mount Vernon, Illinois Lions Club and also served as Lt. District Governor and District Governor of ICH. He was proud to take the Mount Vernon Lions Club train to the International Convention Parade, the most photographed entry in the parade. Jack was a lifetime member of the Amvets, VFW, Elks, and Lions Club International.
Jack was a loving husband, devoted father, and grandfather. He greatly believed in service to his country, giving back to his community, and helping his fellow man. He will be deeply missed by his friends and family.
A Visitation will be held Monday, January 16, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 6:00 pm with Chaplain Ernie Collins officiating. Full Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #141. Interment will take place Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Thorn Cemetery in Kimmel, Indiana. Memorials may be made in Jack’s honor to the Veteran’s Honor Flight. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
