By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
16 Comments
    • Service

      Private family services will be held.

    • Full Obituary

      James Harvey “Sonny” Mugrage, 93, of Cisne, IL, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Flora Gardens.

      Sonny was born in Rinard, IL. on July 13, 1930, to Elmo and Verl (Bullard) Mugrage. He married Alice (Alkie) Vaughan on November 5, 1950, at Fairfield Christian Church in Fairfield, IL. She preceded him in death on October 8, 2017.

      Sonny was a retired farmer. He was very active in his community. He was on the Wayne County Fair Board, Wayne County Health Department Board, and served on the Soil and Water Conservation Board for over thirty years. He was a Bedford Township precinct committee member for thirty-three years and was a Bedford Township Trustee for forty-three years and served on the Bedford Township Cemetery Board. Sonny was also a member of the Anthony Doherty Masonic Lodge in Cisne, IL. and was a Shriner for forty-eight years.

      Sonny’s favorite things to do included going the local coffee shops and hanging out at the barber shop. He always had an answer when you would ask him a question, it was very seldom that you found him speechless.

      Sonny is survived by his son Gary (Tammie) Mugrage, James “Jim” and (Vicky) Mugrage of Cisne, IL, three grandchildren Natalie (Jon) Hilliard of Cisne, IL, Jeff Mugrage of Carbondale, IL, and Rebeccah (Maverick) Fisher of Flora IL; two great grandchildren Alice and Ada Hilliard; three sisters Pat Bradham of Fairfield, IL, Suzy Withrow of Carmi, IL and Donna (Tip) Butler of FL; several nieces and nephews also survive.

      Preceding him in death were his parents, wife Alice (Alkie) Mugrage, two brothers-in-law Kenneth Bradham and Jerry Withrow.

      Memorials may be given to the Cisne Cemetery Fund, Flora Gardens or Clay County Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

      Private family services will be held.

      Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be given to the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com

      Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home Cisne, IL.

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    16 Condolences
     
    1. Mary Murphy / September 28, 2023 at 12:53 pm

      I have so many fond memories of Sonny, especially from my Hot Biscuit Day. Prayers for all of you!

    2. Delbert & Becky Rodgers / September 28, 2023 at 1:28 pm

      Everyone in Cisne and surrounding area will miss Sonny. He was a guy who would talk to anyone. We hope his stories linger in our minds forever. May the memories help the family get thru this difficult time. Sympathy to all who knew him.

    3. Jeff Mitchell / September 28, 2023 at 2:23 pm

      My dad and “Mugs” were good friends growing up in Cisne. He loved to tell me of the different (and dangerous) things they did as you men. Mugs always had a smile and a story. He will he missed. Praying for this family.

    4. Terri Lence / September 28, 2023 at 11:14 pm

      Love you!

      Mait’s Daughter

    5. Donald Fry / September 29, 2023 at 6:23 am

      he will be missed for sure,i got to know them back in the late 70,s and worked for them some ,i feel for your loss and also as a brother mason, farwell my friend untill then .

    6. Margaret A Dunn / September 29, 2023 at 6:52 am

      Mugrage has been such a part of so many lives. His memory will bring a smile to the face of everyone who spent time with him. Everyone will have more than one. You couldn’t know Sonny Mugrage without recalling a story involving him. I could share many, but will just share that he made working at USDA and Grainergy Farms more memorable by dropping by to entertain without even trying. He was always interested in what everyone was doing, while at the same time grabbing any good snacks and a cup of coffee over conversation. He loved supporting agriculture and those who worked to preserve the land. Great memories especially when he worked with the Wayne Co. Soil and Water office as a board member and spent a lot of time in the office when Dwight Esarey, Tom Maguire and Frances Pottorff worked there. He loved his family and was obviously crazy about his sweet wife, Alki. We all loved Mugrage, and he will be missed. Prayers and hugs to the family. Please rest assured that he will never be forgotten.

    7. Ray Hosselton / September 29, 2023 at 8:50 am

      Sorry for your loss.

    8. John and Darlene Hosselton / September 29, 2023 at 2:06 pm

      Sympathy to all the family. Sonny has been a longtime friend, and we will miss him.

    9. Judy (Simpson)Holroyd / September 29, 2023 at 2:16 pm

      So sorry for your loss. He was a great guy.

    10. Kelly & Loretta Davis / September 29, 2023 at 5:38 pm

      We are very sorry to hear the passing of Sonny. God’s comfort to you all!

    11. Judi Schell / September 29, 2023 at 6:05 pm

      So many memories of “Sonny” over the years that I worked at the bank in Cisne. Many long conversations in my office and him always telling people that I was his loan officer. One of my favorite customers for sure. He and Walt Jones getting me roses for my birthday one year. You either loved him or not. He never met a stranger and could sit and visit for hours. I really missed seeing him once I retired. You are all in my prayers and I am sure you will hear lots of stories.

    12. Cheri Lynn / October 1, 2023 at 2:49 pm

      We are so sorry for your loss. He will definitely be missed. Hugs and prayers to the families. Mugs and my dad were good friends.

    13. Clark and Trisha Griffith / October 1, 2023 at 4:27 pm

      My condolences to the Mugrage family. Sonny served on the Wayne County Board of Health for many years and was instrumental in establishing critical public health services for young families and children. Sonny is a great human being. He will be missed.

    14. Tyler Smith / October 2, 2023 at 8:56 am

      My father Charlie Smith always spoke highly of Sonny at Hayes and Smith John Deere back in the day. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew Sonny,

    15. Jim and Diane Chapman and family / October 2, 2023 at 9:05 am

      Sympathy for your family he willingly be missed

    16. Shaun Hagenseiker / October 4, 2023 at 7:28 pm

      So sorry to hear of Sonny’s passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to Gary, Jimmy and families. I have many fond memories of Sonny. Hang on to each other and those great memories during these sad days ahead.

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