John Longueville

CARBONDALE - John Longueville, died on Friday, July 17, 2026 in Carbondale, Illinois after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on August 13, 1952, in Kewanee, Illinois, the son of Robert and Merle (Reed) Longueville. He graduated from Weathersfield High School in 1970. He married Lori Dixon on September 21, 1984 in Carbondale, Illinois. She survives along with his beloved children Matthew Longueville (Jess), Julia Leenig (Brian), and Adam Longueville (Leah). Also surviving are his cherished grandchildren William, August and Gideon Longueville, Henry and Archie Leenig, and Lily, Hudson and Jude Longueville. He leaves behind his sister Merredith (John) Peterson, sisters-in-law Cheryl Nolden and Gail Dixon, and brother-in-law Craig (Pam) Dixon.

John grew up in Kewanee, Illinois. Boating, water skiing, and picnics with his family and friends were among his fondest memories. His love of being on the water continued into his adult years when he discovered the joy of sailing. John spent many of his first summers in Southern Illinois at the Crab Orchard Sailing Club, where he raced Hobie Cats. He was eventually elected Commodore of the club. Besides his wife, his favorite crews were Michael Adorjan and Joe Stafford. He loved competing against top-notch sailors like Paul Hinze and celebrated with great joy any time he was able to beat him to the finish line. John not only sailed in local regattas, but competed in the Hobie Nationals and World Championship. He served as crew for seasoned sailor and friend Gordon Isco in Australia. It was the experience of a lifetime. John's racing adventures included both victories and defeats, but he always had fun in the process. Later in life, John enjoyed day sailing and racing with good friend John Phillippe on Kentucky Lake. Their time together, as well as their long-lasting friendship, is something he cherished.

John played in his high school band, developing a love of music that continued throughout his life. He shared this love with friends and family alike, never missing a chance to listen to good music or sing a great song. He also loved cycling and loved spending time with friends that shared the same passion.

John worked for the Illinois Department of Corrections for 25 years, beginning as a group home parent, then a juvenile parole officer, and eventually the Parole Supervisor for the southern 33 counties in Illinois. He received several special recognitions for his work. This work was just one reflection of his commitment to mentoring and guiding youth. He was active in his children's lives, volunteering as both a youth soccer and baseball coach. Through those experiences, he developed meaningful friendships with other families that continued once the seasons ended. Among those were the Perschbachers, the Holts, and the Hofs.

John considered his most meaningful volunteer work to be his 18 years of service as a school board member at Unity Point School. He valued the work and the opportunity to work closely with others who had the same commitment to the school and its students. Among those were Dr. James Ludwick, Patsy Jensen, Diane King, Jim Ferraro, Dr Lori James Gross, Mary Beth Goff, Maria Deaton, Bill Laser, Chris Midden, DW Presley, and Susan Murphy.

John's greatest love was his family. He found joy in being a husband and father. Nothing made him prouder than his children. They were the center of his world. He celebrated their accomplishments, both big and small, and was always there to lend a helping hand when life's challenges got in the way. He poured his heart into raising his family and found lasting fulfillment in watching his children grow into amazing adults and loving parents.

Nothing could have prepared John for the joy of becoming a grandparent. Each child has brought their special "something" into the world, and John has enjoyed every moment together. There was nothing he loved more than a child on his lap, an impromptu hug, or hearing the words "love you, Papa." When John found out he was sick, his greatest sadness was knowing how much he would be missing in watching them get older. John's love for his family was unwavering and without question will be his greatest legacy. There are no words that adequately express how much he will be missed.

There are many people not mentioned here who crossed paths with John and had an impact on his life, like his sixth-grade teacher in Kewanee who taught him about so many things making him smarter than most others in the room, or "the guys" at Today's Technology who were so patient when he wanted to talk about his car. The family thanks them all. Special thanks go to the many medical professionals who assisted with John's care during this past year, especially Dr Saeed and her staff, Lindsay King, the nursing and tech staff on the 4th floor at Memorial Hospital, Trent and the staff at Bounce Back Rehabilitation. Brandon, Jill, Casey, Alex, McKenzie, and Becky at Manor Court, Dr Roth and Cara at Siteman Cancer Center, and the staff of Southern Illinois Hospice. Their care and concern for John was very much appreciated, and we will be forever grateful.

Friends may visit on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale. At the conclusion of visitation, a short remembrance service will be held from 6:00 pm.-6:30 pm. For those who cannot attend, the service will be live streamed by clicking here.

Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bruce Shingleton Fund at Unity Point School designated for use in the music or PreK programs or Read SI-Dolly Parton's Imagination Library at the Southern Illinois Community Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave a memory or story of John, visit www.meredithfh.com.