John W. Monroe

John W. Monroe II, 87, of Olney, IL, formerly of Benton, IL, passed away on Saturday February 8, 2025 at Aperion Care in Bridgeport, IL.

John was born February 5, 1938 in Benton, IL, the son of Dr. John W. Monroe and Jean (Crawford) Monroe. He married Elizabeth Ann Hewitt on December 7, 1962 in Germany, and she preceded him in death on August 11, 2022.

John moved to Olney to become the Station Manager of WUSI-TV. After a number of years, he went to work at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. He then became the Principal and Administrator of Olney Christian Academy, later becoming the assistant Pastor at Olney Christian Fellowship and then the Senior Pastor. He also was an integral part of the Southern Illinois Prayer movement.

Well into his seventies, he served as Senior Pastor of OCF, and after stepping down he continued serving the Richland County Ministerial Association as a father-figure and mentor to many, until his passing.

John is survived by his brother, Jack Monroe and wife Judy of Benton, IL; and nieces, Melinda Phillips, Melissa Wofford, Michelle Laird, and Melissa Koinzan; nephews, Mark Noel and Michael Noel.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Monroe, his son, Matthew Monroe, his sister, Mary Prout, and his parents.

A funeral service will be held for John at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, with the visitation beginning one hour before service time at the funeral home.

Interment will follow the service at Haven Hill Memorial Gardens in Olney, with Full Military Rites to be performed at the graveside.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memorials can be made to Olney Christian Fellowship.