Johnnie Harding Fleming

Johnnie Harding Fleming, 93, of Du Quoin, passed away at 9:49 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014 at the Fairview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Du Quoin.

Johnnie had spent nearly 40 years working in the coal mining industry and held various positions including superintendent, safety director and state mine inspector. Johnnie gave his life to the Lord in 1951, where he spent several years driving a church bus between West Frankfort and Du Quoin. He was instrumental in the construction and remodeling of the Gospel Assembly churches in Du Quoin and Eldorado, Ill. and St. Louis, Mo. He was a member of the Gospel Assembly Church in Du Quoin. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 until 1945, where he was a member of General Patton's 3rd army. He went to England, Belgium and Germany at the end of the Battle of the Bulge, helping to push the Germans back during World War II.

He was born Oct. 29, 1920 at West Frankfort, Ill., the son of Frank and Sybil (Ice) Fleming.

He married Doris Wilson in 1946 and they were married for 51 years until the time of her passing in 1997. He was also married to Hazel Lane from 1998 until 2004 and he was married to Vera Ruby from 2005 until her passing in 2010.

He is survived by two sons - John W. Fleming and wife Rhonda of Du Quoin and Steve Fleming and wife Stacy of Eckert, Colo., grandchildren - Sarah (Brandon) Hendrix of Eldorado, Ill., Heather (Brock) Willis of Du Quoin, Steven (Melinda) Fleming of Lively Grove, Ill., Amber (Justin) Sargent of Springville, Ala., Brittany (Garrett) Kelleher, Breanna Fleming and Bregan (Leo) Hamilton, all of Delta, Colo., step children - Veronica Gasaway and Don (Jeanne) Ruby of Atlanta, Ga. and Yvonne (Earl) Overton of Du Quoin. Johnnie was blessed with 13 great grandchildren, nine step grandchildren and three step great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law - Sarah Messina and Arletta (Dale) Gregory, as well as many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, spouses, four brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 2014 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Bro. Bill Hamburger and Rev. Gaylen Holden officiating.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial will be in the Old Du Quoin Cemetery at Du Quoin.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the Army National Guard.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.