TUSCOLA John T. Armstrong, 91, of rural Tuscola, IL, died at 10 AM, Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at the Tuscola Health Care Center, Tuscola, IL - Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 22, 2005 at the Camargo United Methodist Church, Camargo, IL, with the Rev. Dave Kelly officiating. Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM, Thursday, April 21, 2005 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL. Burial will be in the Camargo Cemetery, Camargo, IL
Mr. Armstrong was born the second son of Floyd A. and Kate Rutherford Armstrong at the family home in Camargo Township on April 17, 1914. He graduated from Tuscola High School in 1932. He married Georgia N. Renner on July 14, 1945 at Decatur, IL.
She preceded him in death on August 25, 1985. Since childhood, Mr. Armstrong partnered in the Armstrong Broadus Stock Farm with his grandfather, A.A. Armstrong, father and brothers raising and breeding champion Angus cattle, as well as farming. This particular breed of Angus originated in Scotland and was imported by the Armstrongs in 1895, only the second herd of its kind to be brought to Illinois.
As a result of this endeavor, the Armstrongs produced Brodus White Socks that received the highest honor of Grand National Champion in 1923 at the International Livestock Exhibition in Chicago, IL. Sears, Roebuck & Co. then purchased the 1425 lb. steer for show until the company teamed with a renowned taxidermist in Chicago and presented Broadus to the University of Illinois Block and Bridal Club in 1925. Broadus White Socks can still be viewed today at the livestock pavilion at the U of I.
The Armstrongs also traveled throughout the US showing their prize winning angus stock for many years. John and his brother, Arthur, continued with the angus operation until 1967. However, John remained active in the grain farming business until his death. From 1968-1969, Mr. Armstrong served as a soil tester and technician for the Douglas County Soil and Water Conservation Service.
He then became employed by the Douglas County Highway Department as first a surveyor, then as a technician and maintenance foreman from 1969-1979. For over 50 years, John was in good standing with the following: Member and past master of the Camargo Masonic Lodge 440, which then merged in the Villa Grove-Camargo Masonic Lodge 885. Member and past high priest of the Royal Arch Masons of Illinois, Tuscola Chapter 66. Member and Past Commander of the Masonic Militia Commandery 37, serving as prelate for many years; member and past trice illustrious master of Mattoon Masonic Council 10; member of Illinois Priority 11, Knightly Order 36, being given the highest ranking and title of Knight York Cross and Honor on September 11, 1965. Mr. Armstrong was also a 50 year member of the Tuscola Chapter 44, Order of the Eastern Star, serving as worthy patron in 1948 with his sister: June Armstrong Black as worthy matron and again in 1949. In addition, John was a member of the Royal Order of Moose, Lodge 729, the Illinois and Douglas County Farm Bureau, Douglas County Museum Association and a lifelong member of the Camargo United Methodist Church.
Mr. Armstrong is survived by 2 Daughters: Nancy J. Moore and husband: Martin of Marietta, GA, Sharon L. Armstrong of Indianapolis, IN, 6 Grandchildren: Eric and Kelly Thompson, Jon, Jeff and Andrew Moore, Ryan Hayman; and also 6 Great-Grandchildren. John is also survived by his sister: June Black and 1 Brother: Glenn Armstrong both of Crawfordsville, IN. Several Nieces and Nephews and his beloved companion of 13 years, Tracy Carpenter of Tuscola, IL. In addition to his wife, Mr. Armstrong was preceded in death by 1 Daughter: Marsha A. (Warren) Thompson on December 17, 1986 and 4 Brothers: Arthur of Tuscola, IL, Robert of Newman, IL, Archie of Villa Grove, IL, and Donald of Crawfordsville, IN
Mr. Armstrong spent his retirement years as an avid and accomplished ballroom dancer, having taken several classes as well as instruct, enjoying several ballroom cruises and participating in annual dancing events. Memorials are suggested to the Camargo United Methodist Church.
Herald and Review, April 21, 2005, Page 28.
TUSCOLA John T. Armstrong, 91, of rural Tuscola, IL, died at 10 AM, Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at the Tuscola Health Care Center, Tuscola, IL - Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 22, 2005 at the Camargo United Methodist Church, Camargo, IL, with the Rev. Dave Kelly officiating. Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM, Thursday, April 21, 2005 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL. Burial will be in the Camargo Cemetery, Camargo, IL
Mr. Armstrong was born the second son of Floyd A. and Kate Rutherford Armstrong at the family home in Camargo Township on April 17, 1914. He graduated from Tuscola High School in 1932. He married Georgia N. Renner on July 14, 1945 at Decatur, IL.
She preceded him in death on August 25, 1985. Since childhood, Mr. Armstrong partnered in the Armstrong Broadus Stock Farm with his grandfather, A.A. Armstrong, father and brothers raising and breeding champion Angus cattle, as well as farming. This particular breed of Angus originated in Scotland and was imported by the Armstrongs in 1895, only the second herd of its kind to be brought to Illinois.
As a result of this endeavor, the Armstrongs produced Brodus White Socks that received the highest honor of Grand National Champion in 1923 at the International Livestock Exhibition in Chicago, IL. Sears, Roebuck & Co. then purchased the 1425 lb. steer for show until the company teamed with a renowned taxidermist in Chicago and presented Broadus to the University of Illinois Block and Bridal Club in 1925. Broadus White Socks can still be viewed today at the livestock pavilion at the U of I.
The Armstrongs also traveled throughout the US showing their prize winning angus stock for many years. John and his brother, Arthur, continued with the angus operation until 1967. However, John remained active in the grain farming business until his death. From 1968-1969, Mr. Armstrong served as a soil tester and technician for the Douglas County Soil and Water Conservation Service.
He then became employed by the Douglas County Highway Department as first a surveyor, then as a technician and maintenance foreman from 1969-1979. For over 50 years, John was in good standing with the following: Member and past master of the Camargo Masonic Lodge 440, which then merged in the Villa Grove-Camargo Masonic Lodge 885. Member and past high priest of the Royal Arch Masons of Illinois, Tuscola Chapter 66. Member and Past Commander of the Masonic Militia Commandery 37, serving as prelate for many years; member and past trice illustrious master of Mattoon Masonic Council 10; member of Illinois Priority 11, Knightly Order 36, being given the highest ranking and title of Knight York Cross and Honor on September 11, 1965. Mr. Armstrong was also a 50 year member of the Tuscola Chapter 44, Order of the Eastern Star, serving as worthy patron in 1948 with his sister: June Armstrong Black as worthy matron and again in 1949. In addition, John was a member of the Royal Order of Moose, Lodge 729, the Illinois and Douglas County Farm Bureau, Douglas County Museum Association and a lifelong member of the Camargo United Methodist Church.
Mr. Armstrong is survived by 2 Daughters: Nancy J. Moore and husband: Martin of Marietta, GA, Sharon L. Armstrong of Indianapolis, IN, 6 Grandchildren: Eric and Kelly Thompson, Jon, Jeff and Andrew Moore, Ryan Hayman; and also 6 Great-Grandchildren. John is also survived by his sister: June Black and 1 Brother: Glenn Armstrong both of Crawfordsville, IN. Several Nieces and Nephews and his beloved companion of 13 years, Tracy Carpenter of Tuscola, IL. In addition to his wife, Mr. Armstrong was preceded in death by 1 Daughter: Marsha A. (Warren) Thompson on December 17, 1986 and 4 Brothers: Arthur of Tuscola, IL, Robert of Newman, IL, Archie of Villa Grove, IL, and Donald of Crawfordsville, IN
Mr. Armstrong spent his retirement years as an avid and accomplished ballroom dancer, having taken several classes as well as instruct, enjoying several ballroom cruises and participating in annual dancing events. Memorials are suggested to the Camargo United Methodist Church.
Herald and Review, April 21, 2005, Page 28.
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