Roy Aloysius Aherin, 85 of Farmersville, died at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, at St. Joseph's Home, Springfield.

A prayer service will be held Sunday, Oct. 10, at 3:45 p.m. followed by visitation from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Farmersville, and one hour prior to services. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. at the church with the Rev. Jerry Bunse officiating. Burial will be at St. Martin's Cemetery, Farmersville.

Mr. Aherin was born May 8, 1925, the son of the late Michael C. and Laura (Fitzgerald) Aherin at the family farm northeast of Farmersville. He married Nelda Eyrse Nov. 27, 1948, at St. Thomas Aquanis Catholic Church, Mt. Pulaski, and she survives.

Mr. Aherin retired in January 1993 after 25 years as a coal miner with Freeman United Coal Company, working at Crown I at Farmersville, and at Crown II at Virden. He also retired from his other passion, farming.

He was a lifetime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Farmersville, a member of Farmersville Knights of Columbus and United Mine Workers of America. He was a past president of St. Isidore School board, and served as a trustee of Bois D'Arc Township.

Mr. Aherin enjoyed spending time with his family, playing with his grandchildren, driving John Deere equipment and Chevy trucks, watching Cardinal baseball and cheering for Illinois basketball.

Survivors include his eight children, Robert (wife Sue) Aherin of Monticello, Linda (husband Tony) Chernausky of Westville, Carolyn (husband John) DeWerff of Nokomis, Mary Pat Brady of Bloomington, Dennis (wife Joyce) Aherin of Philipsburg, KS, Philip (wife Diane) Aherin of Dieterich, Diane (husband Marty) Green of Springfield, and Kevin (wife Marci) Aherin of Chatham; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Irene Aherin of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Allan and Lawrence Aherin; and one sister, Mary Pacatte.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Church, Farmersville, St. Joseph's Family Living Center, Springfield or Alzheimer's Research of Springfield.

The family is being served by Davis-Anderson Funeral Home of Girard.

Source:  The Journal-News

Provided by:  Ann Stoddard