Bethalto—Jack Ellis Haskell Sr. passed away December 4, 2024.

Jack was born February 11, 1934 in Decatur, IL to Hazel Pearl and William Cecil Haskell. He was raised by Hazel Pearl, William Cecil, and step-mother Ellen Marie. He graduated from Roach Elementary School and Stephen Decatur High School where he was on the baseball team and competed in pole vault on the track team.

Jack served in the Army as a cook and he graduated from Jump School as part of the 101st Airborne. After his honorable discharge he went to work at Superior Welding in Decatur, later transferring to field work with Boilermakers Local 363, residing in Bethalto, IL for 60 years. He retired from the Boilermakers after 40 years.

Jack was a mainstay on the fast pitch softball scene which was big time in his younger years playing on great diamonds like Chap's Park and Hayes field. He played with the state championship Perfect Window Cleaners team. Teams he played for also included the Macon County Health Department, Bob's East Side Tap, and House of Plenty. He also competed on the area team that took on the world famous Queen and His Court. In the winters, Jack played basketball at 3rd EUB Gym. Later on in life golf and shuffle board became his passions. He was course marshal and cart dispenser for many years at The Woodlands Golf Course.

Jack was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, both baseball and football. He enjoyed people watching and eating his "bag of burgers" on the concourse at the stadium. Tanqueray and tonic was his beverage of choice. His favorite meal was fried chicken with cherry pie for dessert.

Jack is survived by his wife Linda Haskell to whom he was married for 29 years. He was married to and divorced from Mary Margaret Ann Haskell who preceded him in death. Together with Mary Margaret Ann he had 5 children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren He is survived by his children, Jack (Judy), Mike (Beth), Brian, Mark (Christine), and Mary (J.D.), as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. On his spouse Linda's side he is survived by step-daughter Kim Bock and 19 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father William Cecil, mother Hazel Pearl, Step-mother Ella Marie, brother Richard, sister Nancy, and sister Patty. Additionally preceded in death by step-children Randy Gray, Mark Gray, Kenny Gray, Eric Gray, and Regina Gray. Family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who treated Jack. Special thanks to hospice nurse Lisa and family members Kim and Amy for their compassionate care and love.

Per Jack's wishes he will be cremated. Visitation will be Saturday December 14, 2024 11:00am-1:00pm followed by funeral service at 1:00pm at Paynic Home for Funerals, 618 East Airline Drive, East Alton, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Salvation Army.

An online guestbook is available at www.paynicfh.com