Danny Ray Lilley, 73, of Coffeen, died at 1:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Free Methodist Church in Coffeen, with funeral services to follow. The Rev. Eugene Dunkley, Pastor of Free Methodist Church in Coffeen and Pastor Troy White, of Back to Life Church in Coffeen will be officiating. Toberman-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mr. Lilley was born June 23, 1950, in Clay County to Paul J. and Naomi (Pickel) Lilley. He married Merlene Brown, on October 10, 2019, in Winston-Salem, NC, and she survives in Florida.
He graduated from North Clay High School in Louisville, IL with the class of 1968. He then served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War until 1972., aboard the U.S. Ranger. He then later retired after serving in the U.S. Army National Guard. He spent time working as a factory laborer, and also lived in Farina for a time. He was a member of the Free Methodist Church in Coffeen.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Lilley is survived by his five children, daughters, Ruth (Mike) Kronvold of Kingston. Michelle Lilley of Batavia, Alysn (Jason) Steinmeyer of Staunton, Cora Durbin of Taylorville and son Danny (Crela) Lilley of Alma; seven brothers and sisters, Carol Ebert, Don Lilley, Lois Blum, Sherry Allen, Alma Weidner, Paula (Ted) Beer and Cindy Nina; and eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Paul J. Lilley and Glen Lilley.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Shriners Hospital. Condolences may be left online at tobermandeanfh.com
