Arthur W. McDermott

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Arthur W. McDermott, 69, a resident of Harrisburg in the Ledford community, died 2:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born Feb. 1, 1940, in Harrisburg to the late Vollie McDermott and Elsie Oglesby McDermott. On Nov. 27, 1985, he married Nancy Miller, who survives in Harrisburg.

He was an Army veteran. He was a retired crew leader for Peoples Energy in Chicago and a member of Ledford Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Jeffrey McDermott of Aurora; a sister, Wanda (Roger) Roark of Harrisburg; and three grandchildren, Jeffrey Jr., Michael and Donald McDermott.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Wesley McDermott and Bertis McDermott; and a sister, Norma Louise Ledbetter.

Cremation has been accorded. Graveside memorial services with military rites by the Carrier Mills and Harrisburg American legions will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, at the Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg with the Rev. Gary Graves officiating. Those planning to attend the service are asked to meet at the cemetery.

The family asks that flowers please be omitted. For those who wish, memorials may be given in his memory to the Ledford Baptist Church or charity of the donor's choice. Envelopes will be available at the graveside.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Absher-Nicholson Funeral Home, Carrier Mills.