Stanley Gene Courtney

Stanley Gene Courtney, 75, of Mattoon, passed away, , in .

He was born in Lewiston, Idaho the fourth son of Melvin and Bethel (Fleshman) Courtney. He grew up on a farm near Reubens, Idaho and in Lewiston. He graduated from Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon and went on to graduate from the University of Oregon in 1970.

In December of 1970, Stan enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and met his future wife, Vickie Sue Blotna while stationed at Travis Air Force Base, near Fairfield, California.

Stan and Vickie were married the 3 February 1973 in Piasa, Illinois. Upon Stan's Honorable Discharge they made their home for 32 years in Pawnee, Illinois. He and his wife for a number of years operated Shiloh Gardens in Pawnee, where they raised and sold iris and daylilies. Stan retired from the medical field in 2007.

Upon retirement, Stan spent the next 11 years in the pursuit of nature recording and sasquatch research. During that time he traveled to all 48 states and became nationally known for his recordings.

Stan and Vickie traveled extensively throughout the US in their motorhome and spent their winters in California, Florida, and Texas.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Edward Courtney (Beth) of Orlando, Florida, Pastor Evan Courtney (Katie) of Matton, Illinois and Eli Courtney of Springfield, grandchildren Ethan and Lainey Courtney of Mattoon, Illinois. He is also survived by two brothers, Lawrence Courtney of Clarkston, Washington, Dale Courtney (Marlene) of Billings, Montana, sister-in-law Marla Courtney of Lewiston, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gordon Courtney of Lewiston, Idaho.

Memorial service will be held at Mt. Pleasant (Piasa) United Methodist Church Piasa, Illinois. Burial will be at Piasa Cemetery in Piasa, Illinois.