Willie Lariel Dean McIntosh

IN MEMORY OF: Willie Lariel “Dean” McIntosh Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – DONGOLA 106 NW Front Street, Dongola, Illinois Willie Lariel “Dean” McIntosh, age 89, of Marion, Illinois, formerly of Dongola, Illinois, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 5:08 a.m. He was born October 8, 1934 to Curtis Wayne and Edna Myrl (Coffman) McIntosh in Dongola, Illinois. Dean attended a one-room schoolhouse at Swanpond School before going on to Dongola High School. He worked at various jobs in his youth including the Shell Gas Station in Dongola for 2 years where he noticed the love of his life, Linda, walking by on her way to Dongola High School. They were engaged in 1957. On May 1, 1959, he married Linda Lou Eddleman at Second Baptist Church Parsonage in Marion with Rev. John Corbitt officiating. The couple moved to Marion and have shared over 64 years together. Dean was a veteran of the United States Army, working as a detachment clerk, stationed in Verdun, France from 1957-1959. After that, he worked for Blankenship/Federated Auto Parts for over 45 years, primarily working as manager of the Harrisburg and Marion stores and later as an adviser to several locations. God, family, and working hard were Dean’s priorities in life. After retirement, he helped to take care of his grandchildren and loved to spoil them. He loved to read western books and watch westerns on television. Dean was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Dongola after being saved in his youth. He was baptized in Goodman Pond. After moving to Marion, he attended Second Baptist Church for approximately 60 years until his health would not allow it. He is survived by his wife; daughter, Debra (Harrel) Lerch; son, Barry (Teresa) McIntosh; grandchildren, Matthew Dean Lerch and Kaelyn Renee McIntosh; and sister, Rita (Gary) Dale, sister-in-law, Emelia Eddleman, and many nieces and nephews. Dean was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edsel McIntosh; sister-in-law, Hallie McIntosh; nephew, Ronal Joe McIntosh; and niece, Rhonda Breckenridge. Visitation will be Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Dongola. Funeral will follow at 12:00 PM at the church with Pastor Ashby Tillery and Pastor Danny Ward officiating. Interment will follow the service at Meisenheimer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to Meisenheimer Cemetery for its upkeep. Crain Funeral Home, Dongola, Illinois is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Willie Lariel Dean McIntosh

October 8, 1934 - January 27, 2024