John C. Girten

March 8, 2028 - September 11, 2008

Mattoon-John Cleveland Girten, age 81, of Mattoon, Illinois, passed away at 8:40 a.m., Thursday, September 11, 2008 at the Danville Veterans Administration Hospital. \r\n\r\nThe funeral service in his honor will begin at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 22, 2008 at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home with Reverend Dennis Kollross officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A 2:00 p.m. graveside service will then be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. \r\n\r\nMr. Girten was born in Louisville, Kentucky on March 8, 1928, the son of Madison L. and Nora Lee Brooks. He was then raised by his step-father, Samuel Joseph Utley. He is survived by four nephews, David Girten, Michael Spencer, Larry Wortman, and Terry Decker; and five nieces, Carol Spencer, Donna Neal, Linda Spencer, Sherry Soltis, and Mary Paden. He was preceded in death by his parents; step father; brother, LeeRoy Girten; and two sisters, Delores Decker and Inez Spencer. He also leaves good friends, Brad and Anne Wagner, Bernie and Marg DeBuhr. \r\n\r\nMr. Girten served our country with the United States Army achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He attained a Masters Degree with a double major of history and social psychology and over the years had worked as an Industrial Management Consultant and Behavior Modification Specialist. \r\n\r\nMr. Girten was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. His introduction to catholic education began with the Jesuit Fathers Order at the University of San Francisco. \r\n\r\nMemorials may be made to the Coles County Animal Shelter. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com to light a virtual candle in his honor or to share a memory with family and friends.