A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025 for 56-year-old Craig Eugene Whittington of Willisville, Illinois, who passed away at 2:37 a.m., Thursday, March 20, 2025 at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois.
He was born May 5, 1968 to Thomas E. Whittington and Hazel (nee Womack) Essex on May 5, 1968 in Carbondale, Illinois. His father preceded him in death. His mother survives in Chester.
Craig married Vicki Baseden on November 18, 1994; she survives in Pomona. Illinois.
He is also survived by two children: Ryan (Amanda) Whittington of Clarksville, Tenn. and Katie (John) Todd of Pomona, Ill.; two siblings: Janetta Essex of Chester, Ill. and Katherine Dillow of Chester, Ill.;
four grandchildren: Avery and Rylee Whittington and Kya and Ivy Todd; an aunt: Dorothy Mitchell of Jonesboro, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by Preceded in Death by his step father: Homer Essex and a brother: Allen Godwin
He had worked for Iron Workers Local 392.
Craig enjoyed hunting and fishing.
It was Craig’s wish to be cremated.
A graveside service for 56-year-old Craig Eugene Whittington of Willisville, Illinois will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025 at New Palestine Cemetery in Walsh with Dr. Mike Fogerson officiating.
Memorials may be made to a cancer foundation of the donor’s choice and are being accepted at Pechacek Funeral Home in Chester, Illinois.