MOUNT VERNON — Burrell Leroy Sledge, 89, of Mt. Vernon, passed away at 11:29 a.m., Monday, January 22, 2024, at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor.

He was born August 1, 1934, in Harmony, Illinois, the son of Roy F. and Velma Gladys (Harlow) Sledge.  On December 5, 1953, in Harmony, he married Yvonne Marie McClellan, and she preceded him in death on October 9, 2023.

Burrell was a farmer, and worked in the oil industry for various oil companies, and also worked at Dowzer Electric.  Additionally, he was instrumental in helping to make Northeast Water Company a reality in rural Jefferson County.  He was a graduate of Harmony Grade School and Mt. Vernon Township High School, and was a member of East Salem Church, and later, Harmony Church.  He was a member of Masonic Lodge #31 A.F. and A.M. in Mt. Vernon, and the Order of the Eastern Star #1014, in Dix.

He is survived by a son, Matthew Sledge and wife Katrina; daughter, LaRhonda Harlan and husband Rick; four grandchildren, Alyssa (Harlan) Hughett and husband Jacob, Morgan (Sledge) McWaters and husband Byron, Shelby Sledge, and Elijah Sledge; and several great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Yvonne, he was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Jeffrey Alan Sledge; and two sisters, Charlotte Sledge and Mary Louise Pierce (Sledge).

A graveside funeral service for Mr. Sledge will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Monday, January 29, 2024, at East Salem Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, with Matt Barner officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to East Salem Cemetery or Harmony Cemetery, and will be accepted at the service, or by mail to Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830.  Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.