Bernie Goatley

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Bernie Goatley, 91, died on Monday, Aug. 4, 2008 at the Mercer County Hospital, Aledo.

Bernie was born on Oct. 8, 1916, in Johnston City to James and Emma (Jones) Goatley. He was a graduate of Equality High School. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served from 1941 to 1945, including the invasion of Normandy, D-Day, 3 years overseas in active war. After his military service, Bernie attended Southern Illinois University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in education and also did graduate work in English and special education. Upon completion of his education he was employed with various public and military schools in Saybrook, Lake Zurich and lastly, Roosevelt Military Academy in Aledo.

Bernie also was a 1973 graduate of the Lewis-Hotel-Motel Schools for Management, Washington D.C. He was also a previous member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; American Legion; Lions Club; Kiwanis; PTA and many other Education Associations. After his retirement from teaching, Bernie did various jobs, including kitchen manager for the Aledo VFW Post No. 1571. He enjoyed spending time with friends at the Aledo Senior Citizens Center and was active in the Aledo Church of the Nazarene.

Bernie is survived by a niece and nephew and their families, Pat and Ron Gaul of Overland Park, Kan. and Sam and Betty Morris of Dixon. He is also survived by a special friend and his family, Bob and June Hale of Sterling.

He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.

Graveside services for Bernie Goatley, will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008, at the Elmwood Cemetery, Equality. The Rev. Bob Hale will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Aledo Senior Citizens Center.

Earl Jones Funeral Home is in charge of the of the arrangements.