Francis E. Dant

Francis Erwin Dant, age 80, of Highland, IL., died Monday, June 12, 2006, at Highland Health Care Center in Highland, IL. He was born September 12, 1925, in Madison, IL., the son of Cecil and Ida (nee Reinhardt) Dant. On February 16, 1952, he married Julia R. Dant, nee Pelek, who survives. Mr. Dant was born in Madison, IL., attended St. Mary\'s Grade School, and graduated from Madison High School in 1941. He served with the US Navy with duty in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he attended Kirksville State University, now Truman State, earning a Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree. He taught P.E. and coached all sports before becoming Athletic Director at Madison High School. He was the first coach to take Madison to State in Basketball in 1952. He became Principal at Harrison Elementary School in Madison and then Principlal at Madison High School. He was later the Assistant Superintendent in Ft. Zumwalt, MO., became Superintendent at Breese CUD No. 2 in Breese, IL., and then Assistant Superintendent at Central Community High School in Breese until his stroke in June 1976. He was well-known as a coach and officiated at basketball, baseball, softball, and football games in the Metro East area. He refereed from the late 1950\'s until his stroke. He also enjoyed fishing, playing ping-pong, and was an avid softball player. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church-Highland, IL., Breese American Legion Post #353, Former Head of Clinton County Easter Seals for one year, and a former member of the Knights of Columbus in Madison, IL. Survivors include Wife-Julia R. Dant, nee Pelek of Highland, Ill., Son-Francis S. \"Butch\" (Jerri) Dant, Sr. of Keyesport, Ill., Son-Joseph R. (Sandra) Dant of Highland, Ill., Son-James A. (Jody) Dant of Eureka, Mo., Son-John E. (Mary) Dant of Highland, Ill., Grandchild-Joseph M. (Michelle) Dant, Grandchild-Juliann Gibbs, Grandchild-Francis S. \"Butchie\" Dant, Jr., Grandchild-Jamie K. Dant, Grandchild-Emily L. Dant, Grandchild-Danielle N. Dant, Grandchild-Lexi C. Reid, Grandchild-Andrew J. Dant, Gr-Grandchild-Gavin K. Gibbs of Highland, Ill., Gr-Grandchild-Kalianne M. Gibbs, Gr-Grandchild-Kelsi Dant, Gr-Grandchild-Karli Dant, Sister-Ruth (John) Polson of Edwardsville, Ill. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grandchild-Jemma C. Dant, who died 12/06/2005, Brother-Robert Dant, who died April 1988.

Francis E. Dant

September 12, 1925 - June 12, 2006