Larry Douglas Janes, 71, died Friday, Feb. 6, 2015. He was a former principal and superintendent in Nokomis. He was born on Aug. 27, 1943, in Mattoon.
He attended the Air Force Academy and graduated from Midwestern University, Wichita Falls, TX, where he was a proud member of the KA fraternity. He earned his master's and specialist degrees from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston and his doctorate from Illinois State University in Normal.
He was a teacher and coach in Mattoon, principal in Palestine, principal and superintendent in Nokomis, superintendent in Pecatonica, and professor at Eastern Illinois University. He was a consultant for the Illinois Principal's Association, Springfield, and authored over 100 articles. He did volunteer work for the Illinois Crime Commission. He loved being an educator and touched many lives. He loved football, baseball, gardening and pets.
In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated. A celebration of his life will be held at his home on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 2 to 5 p.m.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, sister Kay Giammetta and husband David of Macon, GA,cousin Janie Anderson of Mattoon, and many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother Kathleen Authenreith, stepmother Leah Janes, and his father T.V. Janes.
Memorials may be made to Scovill Zoo, Decatur, Boys and Girls Club, Decatur, Decatur Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation or Alzheimer's Association.
Dawson and Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion, is assisting the family. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.
