Published on February 17, 2025 3:08 pm
Last Updated on February 17, 2025 3:09 pm
Harold Gene “Sam” Britton, age 97, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 7:27 PM – Saturday, February 15, 2025, at HSHS Saint Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.
Funeral services celebrating Sam’s life will be held at 10:30 AM – Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with his nephew Rick Britton officiating. The burial will be in the Gila Lutheran Cemetery near Gila, Illinois, with military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM – Friday, February 21, 2025, at the funeral home, with Masonic rites at 7:00 PM. In loving memory of Sam, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Boys and Girls Park or Jasper County Shrine Club. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here.
Harold Gene, better known to family and friends as “Sam” was born near Gila, Illinois, the son of Elmer Harold and Lydia Elizabeth (Lee) Britton. He served his country in the United States Army from 1945 until honorable discharge in 1947. He was one of the last surviving WWII Veterans of Jasper County.
Sam married Anna Louise Fischer on May 16, 1958, at the Yale Methodist Church in Yale, Illinois, and she survives.
Sam owned and operated Sam’s Welding Shop in Newton for 37 years. He was known for his welding skills and quality work.
Sam was a member of the Newton Christian Church in Newton, Illinois; and attended the Plainfield Church at Rose Hill, Illinois. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars #7537, Jasper Post #20 American Legion, 70-year member of the Newton Masonic Lodge #216, Shriner and member of the Ainad Shrine Temple and was one of the founding members of the Jasper County Shrine Club.
Sam was always willing to lend a hand to the community and served on the first board of directors at Olney Central College and was one of those who were instrumental in developing and building the Jasper County Boys Park, later renamed Jasper County Boys and Girls Park. Sam’s Welding shop was a proud team sponsor for many years, Sam and Anna spent many hours watching their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoy the game.
Sam was an avid fisherman and especially loved fishing the Embarrass River all his life. He knew every good place to fish on the river north of Newton. He played the mandolin for many years and was a part of the Ambraw Valley Boys.
Sam survived by:
Wife of 66 years – Anna Britton of Newton, Illinois
Children – Tim (wife Jean) Britton of Clearfield, Pennsylvania and Beverly (husband Rick) Gorrell of Newton, Illinois
Grandchildren – Heather (husband Josh) Schulze of Fisher, Illinois; Brandon (wife Heather) Smith of Newton, Illinois; Ashley (husband Rob) Neeley of Hutsonville, Illinois; Jenna (husband Lucas) Pitcher of Newton, Illinois; and Jared Britton of Newton, Illinois
Step Grandchildren – Nikki (husband Harlen) Funk of Pennsylvania; Blayne King of Pennsylvania; and Chris (wife Abby) King of Ohio
Great Grandchildren – Addison Schulze, Barrett Schulze, Aiya Pitcher, Miles Pitcher, Lexi Evans, Della Neeley, and Herley Neeley
Step Great Grandchildren – Lucas Wilson, Harper Funk, Haddie Funk, and Declan King
Brother – Oliver “Danny” (wife Maxine) Quick of Bogota, Illinois
Sister-in-law – Amelia Matheny of Texas
Several nieces and nephews also survive
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and their spouses Velva (Ray) Riley, Glen (Ila) Britton, Martin “Max” (Eileen) Britton, Emma (Benjamin Thomas) Quick, Wayne “Pete” (Lois) Britton, Burl “Bake” (Yvonne) Britton, and Richard “Danny” (Florence) Britton.