John L. Pendleton

Bismarck John L. Pendleton, 70 of Bismarck, IL passed away at his home, with his loving wife and beautiful granddaughter, Miya, by his side on October 7, 2023.

John was born November 21, 1952 in Hazelhurst, MS the son of Wilbert and Lillie B. (Stringer) Pendleton. He married Judy Evans on January 2, 2004 in Danville and she survives.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Pendleton of Bismarck, IL, Robert Pendleton of Danville, IL, Joahn Pendleton of Danville, IL, John (Jasmine) Pendleton, II of Ypsilanti, MI, and Marc (Jennifer) Carpenter of Danville, IL, 11 grandchildren, Olivia, Miya, Mia, Dawson, Amaya, Laila, Kyle, Tayler, Allison, Jaxsen, and Lilly, one great-grandchild, Elijah, two siblings, Rev McArthur (Dr. Kathy) Pendleton of Jeffersonville, IN and Ruby Jean Coleman of Danville, IL, mother-in-law, Vivian Evans of Danville, IL, brother-in-law Dennis (Shelley) Evans of Danville, IL and sister-in-law, Trudy Westley of Danville, IL as well as several nieces nephews and cousins.

John is preceded in death by his parents, one son, Matthew Carpenter and one sibling, Wilbert Lee Pendleton and his father-in-law, Ray Evans, as well as brother-in-law, Steve Westley.

John retired from CSX Railroad after 39 years of service as a Conductor and working long past his actual time he could have retired because "his grandbabies need shoes". He was currently a Teaching Assistant and Hall Monitor at Northridge Middle School and coached high school football and girls bowling at Danville High.

John played football at Danville High School, and after graduation received a football scholarship to play for Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. After his sophomore year at Coffeyville, he transferred to Illinois State where he finished his junior and senior years playing football. John and his high school teammates were recently inducted into the Greater Illiana Sports Hall of Fame.

John loved spending time with his family, enjoyed golfing and bowling and was an avid Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Lakers fan. John and Judy also enjoyed traveling, especially to Hilton Head, SC, Orlando, FL and their retirement trip to Hawaii.

"The world lost an icon. Not only an icon but a great coach, mentor, and overall good friend. He was a man of Christ and showed it through his demeanor. Never at a loss for words. He was a good friend." Chuck Sargent

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October the 13th at Second Church of Christ, 3350 E Voorhees Street, Danville, IL 61834. Greg Taylor will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 PM on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the church.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois, 61834 is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials in Johns memory may be made to the Danville High School Football team or the Danville High School Girls Bowling team.

Please join Johns family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .