John E. Greathouse

John E. Greathouse, 98, of Mattoon, IL passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, IL with family by his side. A funeral service will be held at noon, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the United Christian Church, 200 Lafayette Avenue East, Mattoon, IL 61938; Reverend Steve Morgan will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow in Dodge Grove Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Mattoon VFW POST 4325. The visitation will also be held at the United Christian Church the same day from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938 is in charge of services. John was born on November 30, 1925, in Lancaster, IL to the late Elmer Garfield and Ethel Ruby (Spond) Greathouse. He married Dorothy Ann “Dot” LaMasters on June 1, 1952. She preceded him in death on February 14, 2008. He is survived by their three daughters, Teresa A. Stuttle and husband Pat of Mattoon, IL, Jill E. Greathouse and husband Jack Gardner of Raleigh, NC and Woodlawn, VA, Polly E. Greathouse and husband Steven R. Pozdro of Libertyville, IL; three grandchildren, Sarah E. Roberts and husband David of Johns Creek, GA, Adam C. Greathouse Pozdro of Boston, MA, Sean Alexander ‘Alex’ Gardner of Raleigh, NC; one step-grandchild, Matthew Stuttle and wife Amy of O’Fallon, IL; three great-grandchildren, Madison E. and Hannah A. Roberts of Johns Creek, GA, Kipton Stuttle of O’Fallon, IL; and two sisters-in-law, Peg Greathouse of Sycamore, IL and Sandy Greathouse of Markleville, IN; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by three brothers, Leroy E. Greathouse, James C. Greathouse, Garfield C. Greathouse; and two sisters, Almeta C. Garner and Miriam L. Gasmovic. Mr. Greathouse honorably served his country in the United States Army in Europe during WWII in the 16th Armored Division from March 3, 1944, until November 5, 1948 (3 years, 10 months, and 3 days). Upon his honorable discharge, he graduated summa cum laude from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. He then continued his education, receiving his master’s degree in accounting from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, IL. He began his career at Gordon Jones Accounting Firm in 1953 and became a partner in 1961 when he passed his CPA exam. His time at Jones and Greathouse CPA firm led John to countless meaningful relationships with his clients. He truly considered them all lifelong friends. After fifty-five years, Mr. Greathouse sold his business to Kemper CPA Group. As Of Counsel for Kemper, Mr. Greathouse served Kemper clients for 12 more years until 2020. John was a faithful member of the First Christian Church for seventy-one years, actively involved in the new addition of the church in 1958, served as a deacon, church treasurer, and was on the finance committee. John fully embraced the 2022 merger with Mattoon’s Central Community Church and enjoyed worshiping with his loving United Christian Church family. He was Mattoon’s longest standing devoted member of the Lions Club and long-time member of Mattoon VFW and Mattoon Chamber of Commerce. A man of many talents, John had a great passion for his family, friends, traveling, and numbers. He was an avid golfer & photographer, enjoyed playing ping pong, and was a shark in billiards competitions. He valued the time spent with his family and treasured the memories. Mr. Greathouse leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived. He made a lasting impact on all who had the honor of knowing him. Memorials in his honor may be made to the United Christian Church, 200 Lafayette Avenue East, Mattoon, IL, 61938. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

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John E. Greathouse

November 30, 1925 - June 29, 2024