Bernice Misenhimer, 88, of Flora, IL died at 6:55 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2015, in his home and surrounded by his children.  

   Bernice, known by all as “Bud,” was born on October 22, 1926 in Clay County, Illinois to Bernice Misenhimer and Eunice Darr Misenhimer.  He married Shirley Hanks on July 20, 1951 in the Flora First Baptist Church. 

   Bud served in the US Navy from March 1945 to July 1946, on the USS President Adams.  He was a lifelong Clay County farmer, cultivating land that had been in his and Shirley’s families for generations.  He also co-owned Lane & Misenhimer with his longtime friend Leon Lane; it was a full service gas station that repaired equipment ranging from cars to tractor tires.  He then worked as an insurance agent for nearly 20 years, covering the lives and property of the communities of his County.  Bud was an avid sportsman, keeping bird dogs and hunting for decades. Many meals (and deer sticks) have been made from the venison that Bud and Leon brought home. Bud was a golfer and a member of the Flora Country Club for 51 years, playing there with his wife Shirley and their many friends. Bud was also a member of the Elks and of a private social club called the Wabash Outing Club for so many years he could not remember. His key will be hung in a place of honor on the wall of the Wabash cabin. Supported by their friend Louise Beccue, Bud cared devotedly for his wife Shirley during her 8-year illness until her passing in 2012, demonstrating with his actions the depths of his character and of their love. Bud was a friend to many, with his common sense, ready smile, and kind ways. He will be sorely missed.

   He is survived by four children, Pamela (Jeff) Pauline of The Villages, FL, David (Sylvia Kuleszo) of Chicago, Marsha (Gena Wade) of Arlington, VA, and Terri (Bill) Billings of Oak Lawn; seven grandchildren, Carri Ann (Steve) Voss of Central City, Brooke, Michael, Jack, and Maddi Billings, Allison (Keith) Murray of Jacksonville, FL, and Melissa Tem of Jacksonville Beach, FL; four great grandchildren, Hailey, Graydon, Savannah, and Livia; sister Wanda Mae Belcher and brother Dios Misenhimer; and very special family friend and caregiver, Louise Beccue.

   Services for Bud Misenhimer will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Rev. Jay Keele officiating.  Burial will be in Floral Garden of Memories, Flora.  Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home.

   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Clay County Health Department Hospice at 601 E. 12^th St. in Flora.  To share a condolence, visit www.frankandbright.com.