Lewis "Lew" Manson Stiff

Mattoon, IL-Lewis 'Lew' Manson Stiff, age 77, of Mattoon, IL, passed from this world to be with his savior Jesus Christ at 5:55 pm, Monday, January 30, 2012. He was surrounded by his family in his home, after a very short, but decisive battle with cancer. \r\n\r\nThe family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Lew at the First United Methodist Church in Mattoon on February 3, 2012. There will be a visitation from 4 pm -6:30 pm, and at 6:30 pm the Celebration, led by Reverend Ken Hutchens, will start in the sanctuary, with music, and sharing of memories of his life. The service will be followed by a dessert buffet, and coffee in the Fellowship Hall. The family would love to invite anyone who knew Lew to join this celebration of his passing into a new life with a new body.\r\n\r\nMitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL, 61938, is assisting the family with arrangements.\r\n\r\nLew was many things'a loving husband, a wonderful father, a doting grandfather and great grandfather, a respected community leader, and a faithful friend. He was known for his big smile, infectious laugh, and great sense of humor. He always put people at ease, and made them feel loved. He will be painfully missed.\r\n\r\nAlthough a great part of his life was spent in service to our community, and other people, Lew's greatest passion was his family and friends. He married his High School sweetheart and love of his life, Patty Brown in 1955. They spent a life together as best friends, and fostered a faith-filled family, wonderful friends, and whenever possible, enjoyed exciting travel. Lew is survived by Patty Stiff of Mattoon, his daughter Lisa Bond (husband Brett Bond) of Mattoon, his son Greg Stiff (wife Marcia Lowder Stiff) of St. Peters, MO; one sister-in-law Deanna Stiff (Late Husband Harold Stiff) and his two big sisters Barbara Bridges of Mattoon, and Shirley Goudie of Mahomet. Lew also had 5 grandchildren: Ashley Bond West (husband Jeremy West) and Amber Bond Lauwers (husband Whit Lauwers) of Mattoon; Amanda Bond Stockton (husband Lance Stockton), of Memphis, TN; and Kailynn and Brady Stiff of St. Peters, MO. Then in the past 2 years, he became the proud GREAT Grandfather of Avery, Olivia, Taylor and Mason'all 9 of them loved their Papaw, and will miss his hugs in this life.\r\n\r\nLew was born to Merle and Rosa Stiff on July 14, 1934 and raised in Mattoon. After attending Eastern Illinois University, he joined the ranks of what is now known as Consolidated Communications. In 1957, he took a brief 2 year hiatus in the US Army, where he served in the Finance Corps, and had the unique opportunity to pay Elvis Presley his first $7 on the day he was inducted. Otherwise, Lew faithfully served his entire 43 year career with CCI, and retired in 1997 as the Economic Development Manager. \r\n\r\nLew was proud of Mattoon and our area, and served in dozens of capacities to build and grow the region. Notably, he was a founding member of Rural Partners, and Coles Together - both economic development organizations that serve our region. He served as President of the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce and the Mattoon Golf & Country Club. He served as Chairman of the First United Methodist Church of Mattoon Trustees, Finance Committee, and Pastor Parish Relations. He was on the Mattoon Police Pension Board, Mattoon Planning Commission, Mattoon Township Board, and the Little Theater on the Square Board of Directors. He also proudly served 47 years with the United Way, retiring from the Board of Directors just this past year.\r\n\r\nIn recognition of his dedication to the community, Lew received many community awards including the 'Spirit of Giving Award' from the United Way, the 'Book of Golden Deeds' award from the Exchange Club, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Rural Partners all in 2004. Then this past year, he was again honored by the United Way, when they renamed their Annual Golf Outing to be the Lew Stiff Annual Golf Outing. After planning and chairing this successful fundraiser for 20 years, and raising over $700,000 for the United Way, Lew was humbled by the honor of it being named after him. As an avid lover of the game of golf, this fundraiser combined two of his favorite things'serving others, and an enjoyable day on the course.\r\n\r\nIn honor of Lew's spirit of giving, the family requests that memorial contributions in his honor be made to the First United Methodist Church, 1601 Charleston Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938; Lincoln Land Hospice, 700 Broadway Avenue East, Mattoon, IL 61938; or the Coles County United Way, PO Box 868, Mattoon, IL 61938.\r\n\r\nPlease visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com to light a virtual candle in his honor and share a memory with his family. \r\n

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Lewis "Lew" Manson Stiff

July 14, 1934 - January 30, 2012