Harlan L. Sidwell, 80, of Pearl IL passed away August 13, 2009 at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL.

Harland was born April 7, 1929 a son of Charles W. and Lela Sorrels Sidwell.  He married Mary Jo Doyle March 26, 1955 in Pittsfield.  She preceded him in death December 4, 1994.

He was a member of the Farmers Ridge Church of Christ and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  Before retiring, he was a meat cutter for Oscar Meyer in Beardstown and was still active as a livestock farmer near Pearl.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming and raising cattle.  His greatest pleasure was spending time with his kids and grandkids and writing poetry.

Surviving are three children; Jeff (Rose) Sidwell of Pearl, IL, Janice (Rex) Swartz, Joyce (Danny) Piper of Pittsfield, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. One sister, Mrs Charlene Clendenny of Mozier, IL also survives.

His wife, three brothers, Wayne, Charles L. and Leland Sidwell, preceded Harlan in death.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 17, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Bro. Wilson Ramsey officiating.  Burial will be in the Hess Cemetery near Pearl with military rites accorded by the Pittsfield American Legion Post  #152.  A lunch for family and friends will be served at the Pearl Community Center after the internment.  Visitation will be held Sunday, August 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Hess Cemetery or the Pearl Community Center.

Condolences may be sent to the family at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.