Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Earl W. "Blue" Stoops, 84, of Shipman, Ill., died at his residence on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. He was born May 14, 1938, in Keith Township to George and Allie (O'Brien) Stoops. He married Mary Lou Tebbe on Sept. 5, 1959, in Carlinville.

He was retired after having been a machinist for Olin Corp for 41 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from 1960-1962. Earl was a member of the American Legion Post 0578 Honor Guard. He was a coach for the Piasa Indians basketball team, an amateur ham radio operator for KE9W, and an avid baseball fan, especially the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and making people laugh. He never knew a stranger.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Stoops of Shipman; children, David (Stacy) Stoops of Chesterfield, Larry Stoops of Sanford, Colo., Elaine (Dave) Fullriede of Edwardsville, Becky (Darren) Courtoise of Piasa; grandchildren, Nikki Summers of Edwardsville, Devin Stoops of Wood River; great-grandchild, Bella Summers of Edwardsville; brother, Bill (Joyce) Stoops of Shipman; and several nieces and nephews. Earl was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Carol Annette Stoops; brothers, Ivan Stoops, James Floyd Stoops, Leslie (Red) Stoops; sister, Betty Cunningham; and several nephews.

Friends may call on Wednesday, Aug. 31, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie 5 until 8 p.m. Funeral services are Thursday, Sept. 1, at 10 a.m. at SS Simon and Jude Church, Gillespie. Burial will be at St. Denis Cemetery in Shipman.

Memorials are suggested to donor's choice, American Legion of Bunker Hill or SS Simon & Jude Church. Condolence may be left online at http://www.kravanya funeral.com.