John Duane Massie

John Duane Massie, 93, of Carthage, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at 5:21 am at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

John was born June 21, 1931, in Keokuk, IA, to Ralph and Clara Massie. He graduated from Colusa High School in 1949. After high school, he worked as an electrician for Ralph Hoffman before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1951. While enlisted, he completed an Electrician’s Mate course, holding the rank of a 3rd class Petty Officer Electrician until he was discharged in 1954. A memory that he often talked about while enlisted was his ship, the USS Baltimore, which represented the United States for the Coronation Fleet Review of Queen Elizabeth II in June of 1953. Upon returning from the US Navy, he and Bob Allen owned a laundromat in Dallas City, IL, while also running Massie Electric Service. On April 1, 1956, he married Carolyn Ann Latherow at the First Presbyterian Church in Carthage, IL. John continued his career as an electrician, working for Montgomery Electric, then becoming an office equipment repairman for McFarland Supply. When Griffin Wheel opened in 1977, he started as a maintenance electrician and continued his career with them for 22 years. During his career he wore many hats within Carthage and Hancock County. John served on the Colusa and Carthage Fire Departments for many years. Up until this year, he could still be found hanging out at the fire station with the crew and he never missed a pancake and sausage breakfast. He served on the Carthage City Council, Jaycee’s, Lions Club, drove cars for Carson Ford, mowed grass for the Park District and checked in ballots at the courthouse on election day. He served on the Hancock County Historical Society and as the chairman of the Hancock County Building Commission for 35 years. John had a great love for our courthouse and the old jail on the square. While in his 80’s, he could still be found doing electrical work and teaching a Fundamentals of Electricity class for Carl Sandburg College. If you wanted a lamp repaired or a ceiling fan hung, he was the guy to call.  John and Carolyn spent many winters in south Texas, enjoying the sunshine and the community of friends they made there. Locally, they could be found every evening drinking coffee at Hardee’s or camping at the Carthage Lake. Actually, John could be found at Hardee’s every morning and afternoon, too. He never missed an opportunity to share a conversation and a cup of coffee with a friend, old or new. A great memory of his life was attending the Great River Honor Flight in 2014, escorted by Maxine Smart. He was proud to be a Veteran of the United States Navy and spent his last few months residing at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL, where he was honored for his service and lovingly cared for.

John is survived by his daughter: Kim (Warren) Johnson of Carthage, IL; three granddaughters: Kelly (Josh) Hamm of Macomb, IL, Kortney (Luke) Burling of Carthage, IL, and Erin (Jason) Schiller of Cohasset, MN; eight great-grandchildren: Connor and Sydney Hamm, Annie, Brooks, Ry and Ronnie Burling, and Elsa and Abram Schiller. He is also survived by a sister: Martha Millard of Arenzville, IL; a brother: David (Joan) Massie of Monroe, NC; a sister-in-law: Bernice Massie of Urbana, IL; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends, especially Jack Curfman and Dennis Hicks. John was forever grateful to his nephew, Duane Massie, for all the care he provided for him, not to mention, keeping his social life (and belly) full. Finally, he is survived by his “babe” and four-legged friend, Chesney.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Massie; three brothers: Harold, Glen and Fred Massie; brother-in-law: Bob Millard; sisters-in-law: Jean and Virginia Massie, and many great friends.

A celebration of life will be held from 1 – 3 pm on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Lake Hill Winery in Carthage, IL. Memorials may be made to the Carthage Fire Department or the First Presbyterian Church of Carthage, IL. Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

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