Waverly Journal, May 6, 1960
Lester Dayton Deatherage, a long time resident of Waverly community, died at 12:05 o'clock Friday morning, April 29, at Passavant hospital, Jacksonville, following a short illness. He became ill at his home on Saturday evening, April 23, and was taken to the hospital. He was 71 years of age. He was serving as Justice of the Peace at the time of his death.
Deceased was born near Waverly, August 12, 1888, a son of the late Charles Wesley and Carrie Gilpin Deatherage.
He was married August 1, 1936, to Miss Thelma Baldwin of Waverly, who survives, with one son, Donald Dayton Deatherage of Waverly.
Other survivors are two brothers, Fred E. Deatherage of Jacksonville and Dr. Charles F. Deatherage of Waverly.
Mr. Deatherage was a member of the Waverly Methodist church. He also held membership in many Masonic organizations. He was a member of Waverly Lodge NO. 118, A.F. & A.M., of which he was secretary at the time of his death, having been secretary for 28 years. He was a Past Master of Waverly Loge, and had received his 50 year pin this past March. He was a member of Waverly Chapter No. 320, Order of the Eastern Star, and was a Past Patron of the Chapter. He would have received his 50 year pin next September. He also held membership in the Royal Arch Masons of Springfield, the Springfield Consistory, Ansar Shrine of Springfield and Malta White Shrine of Jacksonville.
Mr. Deatherage was a past president of the Waverly Board of Education and of the Waverly Cemetery Board. He was a member of Waverly Post 262, The American Legion, and a Past Commander of the Post. He was also a member of the Waverly Sportsman's club. He was a graduate of Waverly High School, in the class of 1907.
Masonic services were conducted at the Wiese Funeral Home Sunday evening at 8 o'clock, by Waverly Masonic Lodge with Harvey Smith as Worshipful Master, Leroy Sweet as Chaplain and Ronald Carney as Secretary.
Funeral services were held Monday afternon at 2:30 o'clock at the Methodist church, the pastor Rev. Howard Fisher, officiating.
During the service selections were played by Miss Mattie Deatherage, organist.
The pall bearers were F.A. Bodwell, Dorman Richard, J.R. Brown, Harold Lowery, John Romang, and W.W. Tribble.
The flowers were cared for by Mrs. C.E. Wiggins, Mrs. Harold Lowery, Mrs. John Romang, Mrs. O.C. Alderson, Mrs. F.A. Bodwell, Mrs. W.W. Tribble, Mrs. Ramon Burnett and Mrs. Wilbur Edwards.
Interment was in East Cemetery.