White, Amzi F. 1847-1909, Postmaster, Businessman and Civil War Vet

Amzi Franklin White, druggist, postmaster of Marion, real estate agent and land agent for the Illinois Central railroad was born in Johnson County, September 4, 1847, the son of John H. and Emily A. (McCoy) White, natives respectively of Connecticut and Tennessee. Amzi’s father was John H. White, county clerk, lieutenant-colonel of the 31st Illinois infantry and first county casualty of the Civil War.  See his biography at John H. White. Continue reading

Rodd, Dee L. 1921-1980, DFC Recipient, Veteran of WWII and Korea

Dee L Rodd 1921-1980Dee Larue Rodd, who resided at 1904 W. Warren Street in Marion, was born September 17, 1921 in Cambria, Illinois to the late Leonard Rodd and Kate Lipe Rodd.

A graduate of Marion High School in the Class of 1939, he attended Southern Illinois University from 1939-1942 and was graduated from the U.S. Naval Flight School in late 1942.

He was married October 11, 1943 to the former Ruth Anne Bowman in St. Louis, Missouri. Ruth was born October 7, 1925 to Virgil W. Bowman and Gladys Butts.

Rodd served in World War II and the Korean War as a combat pilot. A squadron leader, he flew 50 missions over Korea. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals, among several decorations. He left the Navy with the rank of Commander. Continue reading

Dungey, J.W. “Bill” 1904-1975

JW Dungey Sept 6 1975 picJ.W. “Bill” Dungey was born at Barlow, Kentucky, June 12, 1904, the son of William and Lula (Rasco) Dungey. He was married Mary Starrick, owner of the Mary Dungey Real Estate Agency.

Dungey was a plasterer by trade and had operated as a construction contractor. He served as a Marion City Commissioner from 1955 to 1959. Continue reading