Jack Minton

Jack Minton, 87, of Odin passed away Saturday, October 23, 2021, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. He was born on July 29, 1934, the son of Perry Thomas and Mary Edna (Jones) Minton in Centralia. He married Una Mae Ryker on January 17, 1954, at the First Baptist Church in Odin and she survives him in Odin.

Along with his beloved wife of 67 years, Una Minton, Jack is survived by his devoted family. Children; Randy Minton and wife Becky of Lewis Center, Ohio, and Sheri Uchitjil and husband David of Odin, Illinois; grandchildren Kayla Rago and husband Andy of Fishers, Indiana, Katie Helpingstine and husband Jared of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Brittany Haley and husband Chris of Odin, Illinois, and Blake Uchitjil of Carbondale, Illinois; great-grandchildren Hadley, Brooklyn and Kipton Rago, Grady, Allie and Cohen Helpingstine, and Claire Haley; brother-in-law Bob Moore of Salem, Illinois; sister Marjorie Decker and husband Don of Odin, Illinois; sisters-in-law Angie Minton of Odin, Illinois, and Glenda Stephens of Bay City, Texas ; 11 nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Perry and Mary Minton; sisters Romelle Moore, and Becky Roddy; brother Ron Minton; and brother-in-law Bill Roddy.

Jack was a proud graduate of Odin High School, class of 1952. Mr. Minton worked for Kingwood Oil Company out of McLeansboro, and Henderson Kentucky for six years until moving to Odin to begin his career in carpentry. Before his retirement, Jack worked in various places, local and throughout Southern Illinois, and the St. Louis area. He could point out to his family restaurants and other buildings that he built, while working as a carpenter and a job foreman. In 1964 Jack built his home in Odin where he and his wife, Una shared many wonderful memories and raised their family. He later was able to help his son, Randy with the building of his home in the 1980’s. Jack was proud to be part of the community of Odin and did his best to always give back in any way he could. He was elected mayor of the town of Odin, serving for three years. Jack was a faithful member of Odin First Baptist Church, where he was a pillar of the church, and served with all his heart. He was a deacon of the church for fifty years, taught Sunday School, drove the bus to pick up children, served as song leader, and shared his carpentry skills to help build a new edition to the church. Jack was an amazing example of a man consistently pursuing the heart of God, through prayer, and reading God’s word.  He loved to see God’s handprint in the beauty of nature and spent as much time outdoors as possible. Jack was an avid fisherman who used his creative abilities to tie his own lures. He enjoyed hiking, hunting, and mushroom hunting. Jack loved sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues. He tried to never miss watching a sporting event and found joy in every victory. Jack’s number one passion was his family and spending time with them. He was a caring and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He would be waiting in anticipation at the back door for his family to arrive to spend quality time together. Jack leaves behind a legacy of giving, and a true example of being selfless, compassionate, charitable, and giving to others.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at the Odin First Baptist Church with Pastor Roger Lipe officiating. Interment will follow at Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin. Friends are welcome to a visitation time with the family from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at the Odin First Baptist Church. Memorials may be made in Jack’s honor to Odin First Baptist Church. Online condolences and memories of Jack may be shared with the family by visiting www.macafuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Odin is privileged to be assisting the family of Jack Minton with arrangements. 

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