Louis Stivers Jr., 90, of Charleston, Illinois and formerly of Carlinville, entered his Heavenly Home on Sunday, August 30, 2015, while at Heartland Christian Village in Neoga.  Graveside services and military rites, honoring and celebrating his life at Haven Hill Cemetery in Olney with Pastor Mike Southards officiating. Following graveside services, family and friends are invited to gather at The Holiday located at 1300 South West Street in Olney.

Lou was born on October 21, 1924, in Olney, a son of the late Louis and Margaret (Utz) Stivers Sr. He married June Gardner on August 20, 1947, in Olney, and they celebrated 64 years of marriage prior to her death on August 22, 2011.

Lou was a graduate of Olney Township High School and attained both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Eastern Illinois University. He played football at both the high school and college levels and was offered a contract with the Detroit Lions, but instead chose to pursue his career in education. He was employed by the Carlinville Public School District for 35 years, first as a teacher and coach and later as principal of its elementary school. 

Lou was also an Army Air Force veteran who proudly and honorably served his country during W.W. II. He held membership in Mattoon American Legion Post 88, E.I.U. Panther Club, Illinois High School Coaches Hall of Fame and Eastern Illinois University Hall of Fame. He was a man of faith and has been an active member of First Christian Church in Charleston for many years.

Lou’s love for sports remained throughout his life and he actively followed EIU sporting events as well as being an avid fan of Chicago Cubs baseball.  His interests also included woodworking, golfing and traveling. Lou could initiate a conversation with anyone and was always interesting and pleasant to talk with. He was a man of good character and respected by many. 

Lou is survived by their two sons, Michael L. Stivers and wife Debbie, of Bethalto, and Philip A. Stivers and wife Laurel, of Cincinnati, Ohio; two granddaughters, Rebekah (Brian) Beloungy, of Troy, and Sarah (Ryan) Ford, of Cincinnati, Ohio; and three great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Stivers, Elijah Ford, and Ethan Ford. Lou also enjoyed many close friendships which include Ed and Barbara Corley, and Rick and Carole Everett, and Lou’s family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude not only for their friendship but the many times they provided assistance to Lou when it was needed. 

Lou was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Penny Stivers, two brothers and two sisters.

Olney Daily Mail (IL) obituary and photo published - September 1, 2015