Clinton Royce Hundley

CARTERVILLE – Clinton Royce Hundley, 72, passed away at 5:50 p.m., on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by loving family.



Clinton was born on Wednesday, August 7, 1946 in Carbondale, Illinois to Richard and Mary Rosanna (Heppill) Hundley. He married the love of his life Alma Grace Lamb on October 25, 1969 in Galesburg, Illinois and raised two sons and a daughter spending 39 wonderful years together until her passing on December 23rd, 2008. After, Alma’s passing Clinton continued to surround himself with his fraternal Mason brothers for support. He was a proud Mason all his life and the Royalton Lodge No. 1047 was his home base however, he was also an active honorary member of several other local lodges. This fraternal membership was central in his life, fueled by a mantra of “SPES MEA IN DEO EST” in the mark is “MY HOPE IS IN GOD” as was his family. Clinton, always focused his attention on others rather than himself, he would say now, “Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free; I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all”.



After high school, he started a twenty-two year career as a coal miner in the Coal Mining industry until his retirement in 2002 employed by the Consolidated Coal Company. Poet Wilfred Owen put it best from his “Miners” poem: “The Centuries will burn rich loads, With which we groaned, Whose warmth shall lull their dreaming lids, While songs are crooned; But they will not dream of us poor lads, Left in the ground.” Clinton worked hard all his life but also knew how to enjoy it. Clinton enjoyed many outdoor activities including fishing, hunting and spending time with his many friends, and family. Even, in his retirement he continued to be productive working for the Carbondale Park District. Clinton never shied away from providing a helping hand and was always there for anyone who needed it. For many years Clinton belonged to the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) the North American labor union best known for representing coal miners.



Survivors include son, Rory Hundley of De Soto, IL and Heidi Schiff of Tempe, Arizona; Daughter, Dana L. and husband William ‘Bill” Dailey of Carbondale, IL, and son, Tim and wife Linda Lamb of De Soto, IL; Three Grandchildren; Shaina and husband Justin Part of Carbondale, IL, Ryne Bryant and wife Teresa of Murphysboro, IL and Kaden Hundley of De Soto, IL; One Great-Grandson; Connor Part of Carbondale, IL; Many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins and dear friends.



Clinton is preceded by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.



Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 24, 2018 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with officiant Pastor Greg Parker. Burial will follow at Blairsville Cemetery, Carterville, IL. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 23rd, 2018 at the funeral home. Special Masonic Rights Ceremony will take place at 7:00 p.m. on the day of the visitation.



Flowers are welcome, but for those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children in honor of Clinton to carry on his legacy to help others. Shriner’s mission and goals to help children was near and dear to his heart. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Meredith Funeral Home: 300 South University Avenue, Carbondale, Illinois 62901. For more information, share a story or memory of Clinton or to sign his memorial guest register, please visit www.meredithfh.com