Morris H. Klein III

Morris H. Klein III, affectionately known as Butch to his friends and family, passed away on December 20, 2023, after a valiant battle with ALS. Born on July 30, 1968, in Shelbyville, Illinois, the son of Morris Jr. and Linda (Lieb) Klein. 

He leaves behind his mother and stepfather, Linda and Wilber (Bill) Lister, siblings, Mike Lieb (Kerri Smith) of Bath, NY, Dianna (Ray) Reid of Reno, NV, and Joshua Lister (Durinda Brown) of Beecher City; stepsiblings, Martin (Diana) Lister of Jackson, TN, Christina Lister of Effingham and Rebecca Gentry of Tampa, FL; aunts, Cindy Marquardt of Rhinelander, WI, and Lena Mae Hudson of Beecher City; uncles, Larry Lieb of Mode and Lyle Lieb of Metropolis; nieces and nephews, Jesse (Amanda) Lieb, Lindsey (Tyler) Gersbach, Shaina (Steve) Klingbeil, Katrina Reid, Nathaniel Reid, Cassandra (David) Harvey, Nicholas (Belle) Reid, Isaiah Lister, Aiden Lister, Gabe Lister, Kori Hartmann, Aleya Ring, and Izayha Ring.

Butch was preceded in death by his grandparents, Morris and Nellie Klein and Louis C. (Jim) and Maurine Kantner Lieb, as well as his brother, Charlie Lister.

Butch worked as a mechanic most of his life.  His last few years he worked building grain bins.  He also enjoyed helping his grandpa on the farm whenever needed.  Butch was a Cub Scout leader beginning with Wolves going through Webelos and a former member of the Effingham Moose Lodge, both of which stands as a testament to his commitment to community and fellowship.

Butch's passions extended beyond his work. He loved nothing more than spending time with his close friend, John Sloan, catfishing and sharing stories.  He also looked forward to playing cards and dice, often winning. These moments of joy and camaraderie were the simple pleasures that Butch cherished most.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Beecher City with Father Allen and Pastor Jim Junge officiating.  Friends and family are invited to gather from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service to share memories and offer support to one another. Inurnment will occur at a later date in Spring Hill Cemetery in rural Beecher City.  To honor Butch’s memory memorials may be given to the ALS Association to support the ongoing fight against ALS.  Lockart-Green Funeral Home is assisting the family. 

Butch's journey through life was marked by courage, laughter, and an unyielding love for his family. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched, and his memory will be cherished forever.

Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.

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