MURPHYSBORO, Earl T. Frischkorn, 86, of Murphysboro, passed away at 6:05 AM, Monday, September 25, 2017, at the VA Community Living Center in Marion, Illinois. He was born November 16, 1930 in Renault, Illinois; the son of Otto F. and Esther C. (Wild) Frischkorn. Earl married Betty Ann Heins on November 24, 1953 in Panama.

Earl was a retired farmer and highway construction worker. From 1956 to 1967, he was owner and proprietor of Frischkorn Farm Market, a Ralston Purina distributor, in Jacob, Illinois, where he provided farm services to all famers in the Mississippi River Bottoms. In addition, he was a swing band orchestra leader of his own band, "The Melodians," in the early 1950s, and later was a talented pianist, organist, and saxophonist for other local bands throughout Southern Illinois.

Earl later devoted his musical talent to playing piano and organ for his church, as part of his very devout Christian faith. Throughout the previous years leading up to his illness, he served as an ordained pastor, was a member and former officer of the Southern Illinois Chapter of Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship, and guest speaker at many functions throughout Southern Illinois, sharing his amazing testimonial of his Christian faith and transformation.

Earl served in the Illinois National Guard and the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, having been stationed in Camp Cooke, California, Okinawa Japan, and the Panama Canal Zone, until his honorable discharge in 1956.

Earl is survived by his wife, Betty Ann Frischkorn of Murphysboro, IL; Children: Deborah L. Tapscott of Murphysboro, IL, Robert E. Frischkorn of Saint Augustine, FL, and Tracy F. (Harlen) Ingersoll of Tunnel Hill, IL; and 1 sister: Audree W. Patterson of New Port Richey, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Katherine Lee Frischkorn.

Graveside funeral services, with Military Honors, will be held Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Ava Evergreen Cemetery, where burial will follow, with Rev. Lisa Scott officiating. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, Wednesday morning, where family and friends may call from 10 to 11 AM. Memorials may be made to the Activity Fund at the Community Living Center. To sign the guest book online, visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net.