Lendell James Prior of Mount Vernon, Illinois passed away on February 28, 2021 at the age of 80. Lendell began working for Sears Roebuck and Company in Mount Vernon, Illinois in September 1957. He was hired under the Diversified Education Program at Mount Vernon Township High School. After several years he was promoted to Assistant Manager. He was then named Service Manager for the West Frankfort, Illinois store where he served for several years. His final position with Sears was as a Store Manager for Sears in Fairfield, Illinois. In total he served in management positions with Sears for over 30 years. From December 1989 to April 2011, Lendell, with wife Jackie, were the owners and operators of The Pizza Man in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Lendell loved cars and motorcycles – especially fast ones, which earned him the nick name Speed. He attended many races over the years, from dirt tracks to NASCAR. He was also a nature lover and green thumb, and enjoyed spending time out at his and Jackie’s property by Lake Miller, and driving the backroads of Southern Illinois enjoying the scenery and animals. His love of animals was well known and more than one stray cat or dog was rescued by Lendell over the years. A founding member of the Mt. Vernon Gun and Sportsman’s Club, Lendell was also a member of the Sons of the Amvets, Sons of the American Legion, Elks, and Moose Clubs.
A Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Memorial Service will begin at 8:00 pm with Merle Fullerton officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cathy’s Cottage, and can be accepted at Hughey Funeral Home. Please remember to observe social distancing at this time. We are limited to 50 people in our building at a time. Following the CDC and NFDA regulations, we encourage everyone to wear a mask. They will be made available, upon request. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
He is survived by his wife Jackie Prior of Mount Vernon, Illinois (married 1979); four children: Julie Prior-Magee (Greg) of Rodeo, New Mexico, Jim Prior (Lisa) of Alameda, California, Robert Riston (Bridget) of Mount Vernon, Illinois, and Kris Chamness (Sarah) of Mount Vernon, Illinois; eight grandchildren: Madison and Ben Prior, Kadence and Rhythm Chamness, Isaiah Cochrane, and Audria, Piper and Paige Riston; and brothers: Larry Prior (Frieda) of Baltimore, Maryland and Michael Hood (Cheryl) of Clarksville, Tennessee.
Lendell was born in Jefferson County Illinois to Dallas and Wanda (Harpole) Prior. He is preceded in death by his parents, step-father Gale Hood, and one grandchild, Gage Chamness.
