Carroll Gene “Sport” Hosselton, age 89, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Wednesday evening, December 28, 2016, at his home.

   Carroll was born at home in Wayne County on August 11, 1927, the son of Ernie R. and Ellen (Garrison) Hosselton.  He was united in marriage to Ramona Marie Conley on September 14, 1947, at First Christian Church in Flora by P.A. Willis. 

   Carroll and Ramona began married life farming southwest of Clay City, until Carroll joined the U.S. Army in 1953.  Following his honorable discharge from service, he resumed farming in Clay County, purchasing a farm in Louisville. 

   Carroll was Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, a Deacon and later Elder at Bethel Christian Church, and was preparing to mark his 50 years of membership with the church.  His community service contributions included Louisville School Board President, Clay County Farm Bureau Board, and served several years on the Clay County Board as well as the Clay County Hospital Board.  Carroll held his membership with Illinois Farm Bureau for 70 continuous years and encouraged his son Steve’s active involvement in the organization.

   Carroll and Ramona spent 14 enjoyable years in Lakeland, FL, during the winter, followed by 13 winters in Mission, TX.  The times getting together with friends from the Clay County area on holiday occasions were memorable.  He also enjoyed the memories of time spent with the kids going camping, fishing, and boating on Kentucky Lake.

   Carroll is survived by his wife: Ramona Hosselton of Louisville; a son: Steve Hosselton of Louisville; a daughter: Pamela (Rick) Sams of Memphis, TN; 3 grandchildren: Kylie (Daniel) Ramos of Laredo, TX, Steve C. (Brittani) Hosselton of Louisville, and Dustin Sams of Memphis, TN; 9 great-grandchildren: Michaela Mabe, Christina Mabe, Kaitalynn Ramos, Zanna Mabe, Steven “Joey” Mabe, Mia Walker, Sawyer Hosselton, Beau Christopher Hosselton, and Dexter Ramos; 2 brothers: Clydene (Sandra) Hosselton of Clay City, and Curtis (Donna) Hosselton of Clay City; along with several nieces and nephews. 

   He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law: Christine Hosselton; brother and sister-in-law: Cletis and Wilma Hosselton; brother: Marion Hosselton; sister and brother-in-law: Carrie and Rex Gill; and sister-in-law: Wanda Hosselton.

   A funeral service for Carroll Hosselton will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will be in Golden Cemetery with military honors.  Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, January 2, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home.  Memorial donations may be given to Clay County Hospice and will be accepted through the funeral home.