Jack Voyles

Mr. John L. "Jack" Voyles, 83, of New London, died Sunday, September 9, 2018 at Great River Hospice House, West Burlington surrounded by his family. He was born June 21, 1935 in Hillsboro, Illinois to Reynolds Roosevelt and Lillian Rosalie Donaldson Voyles. On March 8, 1957 he married Glenna J. Hess in Holly Springs, MS. He was of the Protestant faith. In 1953, three days after graduating from Hillsboro High School, Jack joined the Navy and served during the Korean War on the submarine rescue ship the USS Sunbird ASR-15 as an interior communication electrician. Jack was a network supervisor for the local telephone companies retiring from GTE in 1993. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers Organization, New London Fire Department, coached little league, was a scout leader, and volunteered at Midwest Old Threshers and Dover Museum. He enjoyed woodworking, mushroom hunting, and especially going to Geode camping, hiking and picnicking with his family. He loved gardening; attending grandchildren's sporting and music events; was a fan of the Bears and the Hawkeyes; was involved in men's and youth bowling leagues; helped Glenna with repairing dolls; made all the frames for h...[more]

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artwork; and made ball bats, drumsticks and rocking horses for his grandchildren. Besides his wife of New London, Jack is survived by his children; Cindy (Curt) Watson, Sharon (Scott) Barron, Karen (Tim) Conrad, Denise (Russ) Wolfe, all of Mt. Pleasant, Steve Voyles of Burlington, and John (Heather) Voyles of Blakesburg; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, William "Bill" (JoAnn) Voyles of Butler, Illinois and David Voyles of Lincoln, Illinois; sister, Betty Brown of Hillsboro, Illinois; sister-in-law, Rosemary Voyles; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Reynolds Jr., Richard and Jim; and one beloved grandson, Ethan Conrad. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday at 11:00 at Elliott Chapel with Pastor Kathleen Moore officiating; military rites by the Henry County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 9:00 until the time of the service. According to his wishes, his body will be cremated following the services and inurnment will be at a later date. Memorials have been established for the American Lung Association; The Blue Lips Foundation; and Glenna Voyles Doll Museum at Old Threshers.