Kenneth V. “Cap” Haslett, age 100, of St. Elmo, passed away at 3:17 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Effingham.

            He was born on February 14, 1916, in rural St. Elmo, the son of Charles R. and Edith A. (nee Aldridge) Haslett. Kenneth married Melva F. “Todd” Justice on September 25, 1940, in St. Charles, Missouri.  She preceded him in death on December 1, 1990.

            He was a former mayor and alderman for the City of St. Elmo, former president and member of the St. Elmo Board of Education and former chairman and member of the Fayette County Hospital Board of Directors.  In addition, he and his wife owned and operated several businesses in St. Elmo, including the Home Lumber Company, Tot ‘N Hop Shop and Wagon Wheel Restaurant.  In 1988, he retired as plant manager at Stella D’Oro Biscuit Company, in St. Elmo.

            During World War II, Kenneth served in the 75th Division, United States Army.  For actions during the Battle of the Bulge, he was awarded the Bronze Star.

            In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and ten brothers and sisters:  Robert Haslett, Thelma Calvert, Clarence Haslett, William Haslett, James Haslett, Claude Haslett, Iva Kirby, Edna Lyles, Violet Love and Verla Hansen.

            Kenneth is survived by a son, Mickey (Lisa Lueck, companion), of Springfield; a brother, Leo Haslett (Betty, wife), of St. Elmo; a brother-in-law, Fred Love, of Owensboro, Kentucky; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Albright, of St. Elmo; and nephews and nieces.

            Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, at the Pagel Funeral Home, in St. Elmo.  Masonic rites will be conducted at 7:30 p.m.

            Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, at the Pagel Funeral Home, in St. Elmo.  Jim Giffin will be officiating.  Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, in St. Elmo.  Casual attire is requested for both the visitation and the funeral service.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Elmo Educational Foundation, at P.O. Box 82, St. Elmo, Illinois, 62458.

            Go Cubs!

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