Louis Schelling Jr., 81, Passes Away

Longtime Worden resident and Vietnam War veteran dies at Cedarhurst Senior Living Center

Mar. 11, 2026 at 12:00am

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Louis Barry Schelling Jr., an 81-year-old resident of Worden, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Cedarhurst Senior Living Center in Bethalto. Schelling was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and Tulsa University Law School, and also held a Master of Laws degree from Washington University in St. Louis. He served as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and enjoyed hobbies like playing Bridge, photography, and coin collecting.

Why it matters

Schelling's passing marks the loss of a community member with a distinguished military and academic background, as well as someone who was actively engaged in local organizations and activities in the Worden area.

The details

Schelling is survived by four siblings - Joseph R. Schelling, Barbara L. Edwards, Michael P. Schelling, and Katherine A. Sawyer. He will be laid to rest at a private burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rantoul at a later date. Memorials have been suggested to the Worden Volunteer Fire Department.

  • Schelling passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 9:49 a.m.
  • He was born on July 30, 1944 in Urbana.

The players

Louis Barry Schelling Jr.

An 81-year-old resident of Worden, Illinois who passed away on March 1, 2026. He was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and Tulsa University Law School, and also held a Master of Laws degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Schelling served as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and enjoyed hobbies like playing Bridge, photography, and coin collecting.

Joseph R. Schelling

Louis Schelling Jr.'s brother, who resides in Worden.

Barbara L. Edwards

Louis Schelling Jr.'s sister, who resides in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Michael P. Schelling

Louis Schelling Jr.'s brother, who resides in Decatur.

Katherine A. Sawyer

Louis Schelling Jr.'s sister, who resides in Ames, Iowa.

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The takeaway

Schelling's life and legacy will be remembered through the private burial service and memorials to local organizations he supported, honoring his distinguished service and community involvement.