Earl G. Mesnard, age 70, of Effingham, Illinois went to his heavenly Father at 7:32 p. m. Thursday, November 24, 2016, while surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a. m. Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at the Christian Church in Mason, Illinois with one hour viewing prior to service. Mark White will be officiating. Burial will be in the Mason Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p. m. Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at the Christian Church in Mason, Illinois. Memorials may be given to the Mason Cemetery or the donor’s choice. 

Earl was born on December 5, 1945 in Effingham, Illinois He was the eldest son of Glenn “Blackbird” and Jackie (Sapp) Mesnard. He graduated from Effingham High School in 1964. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in education from Eastern Illinois University. He was employed by Effingham Unit 40 from 1969 to 2002. During his career, he taught art, P.E. and was assistant principal for a short amount of time at the Effingham Junior High School. He coached junior high school basketball for many years. Among his many successes, his team won the State Championship in 1972 -73 and the Elite 8 in 1973 -74. He was recognized as an outstanding coach. Earl was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Effingham, Illinois. Earl was an avid sports fan and he also loved mushroom hunting, bottle hunting and most of all, spending time with his family and friends. He was known for being quick witted and assigning a nickname for everyone he knew.

Earl is survived by his two daughters, Natalie Thomas of Canton, Michigan, Leslie Stuckey (husband Dean) of Effingham, Illinois; three brothers, Richard Mesnard of Mason, Illinois, Kevin Mesnard (wife Cheryl) of Edgewood, Illinois and Dee Mesnard (wife Debbie) of Edgewood, Illinois; four grandchildren, Elena Thomas, Jayden Thomas, Meagan Stuckey, Blake Stuckey and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Jackie Mesnard and one brother, Daniel Mesnard.

 Service Information