John William Severns (91) of Cowden

John William Severns, 91, of Cowden, IL passed away at 6:40 p.m. on Monday, December 27, 2021, in HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

John was born on August 16, 1930, in Champaign, the son of Glen William and Jane (McIntyre) Severns. John went on to serve his country in the United States Marines and continued in public service as a police officer in Thomasboro, a fireman for the University of Illinois and a Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Cowden. John enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Surviving are his wife, Jo Ann Severns of Cowden; daughters: Mary Jane Wray of Louisiana, Cheryl Manuel of Georgia and Janet Palmer formerly of Champaign; stepdaughters: Carolyn McKinney of Cowden and Marlene Harris of Mahomet; brothers: Scott (Shirley) Severns and Les Severns and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Jane Severns; one son at birth; stepson, Larry Frerichs; stepdaughter, Linda Floyd; brother, Buddy and sister, Patricia.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, in Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Cowden with Pastor Darrell Hinkle officiating. A gathering of friends and family will take place from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to the family and mailed to 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565. Lockart-Green Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends and family are invited to light a candle or share a story in John’s honor by clicking here.