Theodore “Ted” Macon, 71 of Belleville, formerly of Carlyle, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, at St Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon.
Theodore was born to Willie and Willie Mae (Stokes) Macon on March 27, 1955 in St. Louis, MO. He married Lucritia Burton in September of 1981, and she preceded him in death in August of 2007. He married Avis Kizeart in August of 2008, and she survives in Belleville, IL.
In addition to his wife Avis, Theodore is also survived by his children, Lindsay Macon of Carlyle, Ted (Nichole) Macon of Carlyle and Rachel Macon of O’Fallon; and his stepchildren Shameia Lesch of Belleville and Stecia Kizeart also of Belleville; his grandchildren Haley Boulware, Avian Duke, Aric Lesch, Carter Spindler and Ava Macon. Also surviving are his siblings Roy Macon of Mt. Vernon and Diane (Raphael) Rush of Centralia; his in-laws Michael Burton of Carlyle, Pam Macon of Greenville, Carrie (Joe) Hill of Carlyle, Sandra (William) Fentress of Fairview Heights, and Sherry (James) Robinson of Atlanta GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
Theodore was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Willie Mae Macon, his wife, Lucritia Macon, a son Joshua, his in-laws Clayton and Lillian Mitchell and Floyd and Carol Anderson. He was also preceded in death by his siblings and in-laws, Harold Rudder and his wife Bessie, Willie B. Rudder, Joe Macon, Rickie Macon, Willie T. Macon, Henry Macon, Jackie Macon and his wife Shelia, Lillian Currin and her husband Val, Mary Ellen Todd, Laura Wytch, Hatha Caldwell and Angela Vance
Theodore was raised on the Macon Family Farm North of Greenville IL and attended Mulberry Grove Schools and Kaskaskia College. He worked for many years for the State of Illinois Department of Corrections, rising to the position of Lieutenant. After his time at IDOC, he went on to work for, and ultimately retired from, the City of St Louis Department of Corrections. While at the City of St Louis, Theodore was instrumental in the training and development of new officers, utilizing his decades of experience in corrections. At the time of his death, Theodore served as an associate minister at Holy Garden of Prayer Church and served as interim Pastor at the church for a short period when the church was founded in 1992.
Theodore loved being around people and brought laughter to any room he was in. He enjoyed time with his family, especially his siblings and grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17th at Holy Garden of Prayer Church in Carlyle, located at 430 21st St. Carlyle, IL 62231. Interment will follow at Carlyle Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Holy Garden of Prayer Church on Thursday, July 16th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on Friday, July 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Macon are suggested to Holy Garden of Prayer Church. Donations will be received at the church or through Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton St., Carlyle, IL 62231.
