Leslie Frank Honey

Leslie Frank Honey, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, at his home in Cairo, Illinois, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on July 13, 1936, in Tamms, Illinois, to Charles Frank and Zula Anderson Honey. He married Cecelia E. Cummings on September 2, 1960. Les is survived by his wife, Cecelia; one daughter and son-in-law, Ellen Denise Honey and Ira Erlich; sister-in-law, Sandy Potts (Larry); brother-in-law, Elmer Cummings (Tara); and nephews and nieces and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lois Beasley; and his brother, Jim Honey. Les lived a life of service to God, family, country, and his fellow man. He was a member of Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center (Cairo Baptist) where he served as a Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, member of several Mission Teams, Church Clerk, and Chairman of the Advisory Board. The 18th season of Upward Basketball was dedicated to Les, celebrating his service and his Upward spirit. He began his professional career as a teacher, first at Olive Branch and Tamms, and then in the Cairo Public School System. Les became a social worker in 1961, working his way from case worker to Administrator of Alexander and Pulaski Counties Department of Public Aid. He served in the United States Navy from 1963-1965 aboard the USS Point Defiance. His hobbies and interests were varied and numerous--wood carving, building and flying model airplanes, photography, hiking, guns, and hunting until Ellen put her foot down about the “poor little squirrels.” He volunteered at Fish & Wildlife Refuge. He was both a conservationist “tree hugger” and a member of the NRA. Les was a volunteer for Hospice of Southern Illinois. He and Cecelia were recipients of the coveted “Butterfly Award” for their excellent service. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Cairo for more than 50 years and a former member of the Elks Club, where he was on the ritual team. His deep love of family was returned in kind as he was cherished and cared for at home through his long battle with Alzheimer’s disease by his devoted wife Cecelia, his daughter Ellen, and other family members and friends. Visitation will be held at Mighty Rivers from 4:00-7:00 on Thursday, Nov. 9. The funeral celebration of his life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10 at Mighty Rivers, with his brother-in-law, Rev. Larry Potts, officiating. Interment will be at 11:30am Monday, Nov. 13 at the National Cemetery in Mound City with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Mighty Rivers in memory of Les.

Leslie Frank Honey

July 13, 1936 - November 7, 2017