Lyman J Stilts

LYMAN STILTS

JERSEYVILLE – Lyman J. Stilts, 84, passed away at 8:05 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2025, at LaBella of Alton, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born on August 9, 1940, in Glenn Allen, Missouri, the son of the late Charles and Roxie (Kirkpatrick) Stilts. He grew up in Cottage Hills, graduating with the Class of 1958 from Civic Memorial High School.

On January 10, 1959, he married Carol D. Butler, and together they built a life filled with love and devotion. They were blessed with two children, though heartbreakingly, their son passed away in infancy. After sharing in nearly 56 years of marriage, Carol preceded him in death on December 27, 2015.

Lyman was no stranger to hard work. He began his working career as a butcher before transitioning to a career with Coca-Cola Bottling as a truck driver. He then went on to work at Alton Memorial Sales as a Monument Mason until his retirement. His hands, strong and steady, continued to create even after left the workforce – crafting bookshelves and other beautiful wooden pieces for his family, a skill he took great pride in.

Retirement allowed him more time outdoors, tending to his home in Jersey County and enjoying the simple pleasures of country living. Even as dementia gradually took away the abilities he once cherished, the love he had for his family remained steadfast.

Lyman is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Brock Hermens of Dow; two grandsons and their spouses, Tyler and Ashley Hermens of Jerseyville and Brennen and Samantha Hermens of Alton; four great-grandchildren, Hudson, Beau, Beckham and Delaney;a sister, Ioma Dortch of Shawneetown.  He also leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Judy Stilts of Shipman and Donna Stits of Jerseyville; along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Nicholas Adam Stilts; his brothers and a sister-in-law, Leeman and Barb Stilts, Raymond Stilts and Lenard Stilts; as well as a brother-in-law, Herman Dortch.

A Memorial Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until the time of Memorial Service at 7 p.m., Monday, March 10, 2025 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Pastor Mike Morgan will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for the establishment of a scholarship fund for his great-grandchildren, in care of the funeral home.

Lyman’s legacy lives on in the love he shared, the lessons he taught, and the work of his hands, which will be treasured for generations to come.

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