Lawrence F. Bathon, 98, of Pinckneyville, passed away at 8:00 A.M., Monday, February 19, 2024 at the Friendship Manor Nursing Home in Nashville, IL.
Lawrence had been a farmer.  He also worked as a laborer at SIU from 1961 until 1994.  He was a lifelong member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Todds Mill, IL.  Lawrence had served as a trustee of the church for twenty-two years.  He was a charter member of Knights of Columbus 2921 Pinckneyville and was a third degree Knight.  Lawrence was a member of Perry County Farm Bureau.  He was a United States Army veteran, serving from 1950 until 1952 as a chaplain assistant.  He was a member of Nashville American Legion Post 110.
He was born January 21, 1926 in Tamaroa, IL, the son of William A. and Lydia (Schmalriede) Bathon.
He married Sarah E. Harris on December 30, 1950 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Todds Mill, IL and she preceded him in death on June 6, 2001.
Left to mourn his passing are his children - Sister Julia (Mary) Bathon of Stockton, IL, William (Marsha) Bathon of Pinckneyville, Richard Bathon of Du Bois, Leonard (Barbara) Bathon of Carlyle, IL, Lawrence Bathon of Lexington, KY, Donna (Bob) Malick of Nashville, IL, John Bathon of Ashley, IL and Janice Rust of Coulterville, IL, fifteen grandchildren, nine step grandchildren, fifty-one great grandchildren, seventeen great great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, brother-in-law - William Harris and two sisters-in-law - Naoma Harris and Doris Bathon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son - Gerald Bathon, one sister - Eutoala Heisner, two brothers - Leonard Bathon and Alfred Bathon, one sister in infancy, two brothers in infancy, three daughters-in-law - Lisa Bathon, Judy Bathon, and Patricia "Trish" Bathon, and one granddaughter - Stacey Fox.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Todds Mill with Fr. Carl Schrage and Fr. Andy Knopik officiating.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 P.M., Wednesday at the St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Todds Mill and from 8:30 A.M. until the time of service on Thursday at the church.
Rosary will be prayed at 6:45 P.M., Wednesday at the church.
Burial will be in the St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery in Todds Mill, IL.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the Army National Guard.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorials to St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery or St. Mary Magdalen Building Fund and will be accepted at the church.
Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa is in charge of arrangements.