Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
John E. “Sonny” Sease, Sr.
John E. Sease, Sr., age 74, of Shorewood, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. Sonny was born on December 9, 1951, in Joliet, IL, the son of William Sease and Inez White.
He was a graduate of Joliet East High School and Boulder College in Colorado, where he majored in music. A gifted and devoted musician, he especially enjoyed playing the saxophone and bass. His love of music was a defining part of his life and brought joy to all who heard him.
Sonny spent numerous years working as a Home Inspector with HMBI, where he was known for his reliability, integrity, and dedication. Outside of work, his life was rooted in faith. He worshipped and served alongside his wife at the Village Christian Church, where he participated faithfully and lived out his beliefs through music and service.
Sonny will be remembered as a man with an easy spirit and a warm smile. Everyone loved him, and his cool presence with sunglasses and fun brought comfort, encouragement, and joy to family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him. His devotion to his faith guided him throughout his life and was evident in the way he treated others.
Sonny is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Lilye M. (nee McMillian) Sease; his mother, Inez Traylor; his children, Lakeshia (Richard) Adams, John E. (Angela) Sease, Jr., Natashia (Lance) Thornton, Percy Tucker, Drevon Sease, and Clarence Sease; his grandchildren, Ciara (Douglas) Thomas, Paige (fiancé Daniel) Thornton, Perrion Tucker, and Serena Tucker; his great-grandchildren, Dallas Thomas, Aria Thomas, and Joy Tucker; and his brother, Leonard (Regina) White. Nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive, each carrying forward his memory with love and gratitude.
He was preceded in death by his father; his sister Deloris Sease; his grandparents; his sister-in-law, Cleo Johnson; brother-in-law, Joshua Robinson; and his stepson, Elliott K Tucker.
Visitation for John E. Sease, Sr. will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Village Christian Church, 8965 S. Bell Rd., Minooka, IL, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m.Cremation rites will be accorded following services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a GoFundme page that has been established for the future needs of his family.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute atwww.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
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