Edward F. Hanlon

STERLING – Edward F. Hanlon, 81, of Sterling, died Friday, Dec. 25, 2009, at his home.

He was born Aug. 15, 1928, in Alton, the son of Edward Joseph and Mary Lucille (Walters) Hanlon. He married Dorothy J. Garner on Dec. 29, 1950, in Alton. Edward was a veteran of the Korean War, having served as a PFC in the Army. He was employed by Owens - Illinois in Alton for 45 years, retiring in 1990, when he and his wife moved to Sterling. Edward was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Sterling. His family and his faith were of utmost importance to him. He enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, and had a great love for the outdoors.

Surviving is his wife, Dorothy; three sons, Shawn P. (Nancy) Hanlon of Sterling, Cullen F. Hanlon of Chicago, and E. Shamus (Kim) Hanlon of Evanston; one daughter, Mollie (Martin Corless) Hanlon of Clarks Hill, Ind; three sisters, Patricia Tomblingson of East Alton, Sheila (Ron) Rickard of Janesville, Wis., and Nancy (Larry) Bundridge of Woodriver; three brothers, Michael (Lavonne) Hanlon of Hardin, Ky., and James (Dottie) Hanlon and Timothy (Joyce) Hanlon, both of Alton; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John and Thomas; one brother in infancy; and one sister in infancy.

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Donald Ahles, celebrant, officiating. Burial will follow later in the week at St. Patrick Cemetery, Alton. Visitation is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church. Arrangements were completed by McDonald-Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, Sterling.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to St. Mary Catholic Church or toward Masses.

Visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.