Abe W. Grounds

Ferges-Abraham W. A.W. (Abe) Grounds-82, of Ferges went home to be with the Lord at 4:50 P.M., Tuesday, November 9, 2004 at Herrin Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 8, 1922 in Herrin, IL to Clarence & Lillian (Bristow) Grounds and was the 6th of 13 children. He moved to Ferges as a small child. He married Louise Scoby on January 10, 1946. She survives. Abe was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1938-1940, and served his country in the United States Navy from 1940-1946. Fifty-two months of that was on active duty in the South Pacific during WWII. He attained the rank of Gunners Mate, First Class. Abe was employed by Freeman Coal Co, Freeburn, Orients 4,5,and 6 for 31 years, retiring in 1976. He faithfully attended, loved and supported the Ferges Free Methodist Church his entire life. He was a member of the American Legion in Herrin and the Disabled American Veterans. He loved gardening and asked the Lord to bless each seed he planted. However, the true joy he received came from giving away the fruits of his labor. Survivors Include: Devoted Wife(59 Years) Louise Grounds-Ferges Son: Gary and Sue Grounds of Charleston, IL Daughters: Brenda & James K Ritter-Ferges,IL Linda & Jim Cargal of Johnston City, IL Four Granddaughters: Jennifer and Rich Pribble of Herrin, IL Erin and Larry James Long-Johnston City Joy Ritter of Ferges, IL Holly Cargal of Johnston City,IL Four Grandsons: Dan Grounds-Romeoville,IL Jarrod and Cindy Ritter of Marion,IL Jeremy and Wendi Ritter of Goreville,IL Adam and Misty Cargal of Johnston City,IL Three Great Granddaughters: Alyssa Erin & Madison Mae Pribble-Herrin Haley Elizabeth Ritter of Marion, IL One Great Grandson: Cameron James Long of Johnston City, IL Step Grandchildren: Christie Hardin-Lincoln Teresa Milligan-Mattoon, IL Amy & Ryan Anis of Mattoon, IL Step great grandchildren: Cameron, Jordan, & Nate Anis-Mattoon, IL Madison Milligan of Mattoon, IL Brother: Bill & Juda Grounds of Marion Brother: Larry & Marilyn Grounds of Herrin Sister: Pauline Frick of Marion Sister: Audrey Haynes of Marion Sister: Dorthella & Luther Youngblood-Herrin Sister: Mary & Joe Cockburn of Johnston City Sisters-In-Law: Lillian Grounds of Marion Evelyn Grounds of Herrin, IL Mary Helen Grounds of West Frankfort, Il Brother-In-Law: Albert Oliver-Pensacola, FL Also survived by several nieces & nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Elroy, Richard & Ernest Grounds, and sisters Maude and husband Frank Oglesby, Arietta and husband Arlie Hubbard, and Betty Oliver; brother in law Clarence Frick, one grandson, Jeffrey Grounds, & 3 nieces. Abe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his Lord, his family, his church, and his country. Our Loss is Heavens Gain. Funeral services will be 11:00am Saturday, November 13, 2004 at the Ferges Free Methodist Church with Rev. Don Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by Herrin American Legion and VFW Posts. Visitation will be 6:00 to 9:00 P.M., Friday at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ferges Free Methodist Church. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home and at the church the day of the service. For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com