Martin Leon Treece
Retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Martin “Leon” Treece, 87, of Anna, died at 11:40 a.m. Sunday, May 31, 2009, at his home in Anna.
He was born on Feb. 17, 1922, in Anna, the son of Jackson Andrew and Nora Dillow Treece.
He married Opal Lucille Dillow from Dongola on May 7, 1942, in Ballinger, Texas.
Mr. Treece is survived by his wife, Opal of Anna; three children, Carol Lavon Otrich, Dr. Michael Leon Treece and Devra Lane Treece, all of Anna; three grandchildren, Christine Noel Otrich Gramann and her husband Ron of Breese and Zachary Michael and Jackson Thomas Treece, both of Carbondale; one great-grandchild, Spencer John Gramann of Breese; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters, Glennie Edith Aggie, Mary Alice Wilkens, Annie Marie Treece, Eva Ameline Dotson, Nellie Novella Davis and Genevie Elders; and two brothers, Harold Wayne and Paul Nelson Treece.
Mr. Treece was a member of the Anna First Baptist Church. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Townsend F. Dodd Post No. 344 in Anna; a lifetime member of the Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 of the VFW in Anna; a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 520 AF & AM in Anna; and treasurer of the Casper Church and Cemetery Association.
He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1940 to 1960 in the 20th A.F., 315 Bomb Wing; 8th A.F. 7th Bomb Wing, SAC.
He was chief master sergeant, aircraft maintenance supervisor serving in Fort Worth, Texas, San Angelo, Texas, Guam, Columbus, Ohio, and Puerto Rico.
He served during the World War II Pacific Campaign and the Korean War.
He received the World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, American Defense, AF Commendation, two each, American Theatre, Good Conduct Medal with two Loops, and the Air Force outstanding Unit Award.
In 1959 he was in the first group promoted to military rank of chief master sergeant. In 1999 he received and was honored as a Charter Chief in recognition of being one of the first to make the rank of CMS.
He retired from Choate Mental Health Center in Anna after working for 20 years.
Funeral services for Mr. Treece were at noon Wednesday, June 3, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with the Rev. Tony Foeller officiating.
Interment was in Casper Cemetery near Anna with military honors at the grave by the Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 of the VFW in Anna and the Illinois National Guard honor team.
Masonic services were held at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home and were conducted by Masonic Lodge No. 520 AF & AM.
Memorials can be made to Anna First Baptist Church, Casper Church and Cemetery Association, or Hospice of Southern Illinois.
Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna was in charge of arrangements.