W. E. Renth, 87, of New Baden, Ill., born May 2, 1926, in St. Louis, Mo., died Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, at Faith Countryside in Highland, Ill.

Mr. Renth was a veteran of the United States Navy serving in the Pacific during World War II aboard the USS Franklin CV13. The ship was hit off the coast of Japan on March 19, 1945 and the ship ended up being towed back to the United States. Upon his return from service he attended St. Louis University and was then hired at Farmers & Merchants State Bank in New Baden as a temporary employee. He progressed to full time and finished his 60 year banking career as executive vice-president of First County Bank of New Baden. He was a graduate of New Baden High School class of 1944 and St. Louis University School of Business and Commerce. He also attended numerous financial seminars. He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in New Baden where he formerly served on the board of trustees. He was a member of the American Legion Post 321 in New Baden where he was the longtime chief financial officer, and was a former member of the New Baden Lion’s Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, W. F. and Amelia E., nee Trippel, Renth; two sisters, Wilma P. Renth and Arline Barrow; and a brother-in-law, G. H. Barrow.

Surviving is his sister, Betty L. Renth of New Baden, Ill.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice and will be received at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.hempenfuneralhome.com

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, 2013, and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden, Ill. The American Legion will visit the funeral home at 7 p.m. on Monday.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, at Zion United Church of Christ in New Baden with Rev. Gretchen Sterrett officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in New Baden, Ill.

HEMPEN FUNERAL HOME, New Baden, Ill.
Published in Belleville News-Democrat on Sept. 15, 2013
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