Ilion/Herkimer: Mr. John L. Hailston, 88, formerly of London Towers, Ilion, and a longtime Herkimer resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2009 in Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, Ilion. Mr. Hailston was born on December 15, 1920 in West Monroe, New York, a son of the late Earl and Bessie (Lamsdall) Hailston. He received his grade school education in Ilion and graduated from the Van Hornesville school system in 1939. Mr. Hailston enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and was honorably discharged in 1945, after attaining the rank of Tech Sergeant. He was the recipient of the following decorations: American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and WW II Victory Medal. John’s last employment was as a machine operator and firearms repairman at Remington Arms in Ilion, retiring in 1985. At one time, he owned and operated Mirror Lake Farms on West Lake Avenue in Herkimer. Mr. Hailston was a member of the Ilion Fish & Game Club and was a 50-year member of the Ilion Masonic Lodge, also attending the Herkimer Lodge. Mr. Hailston married Lois Ann (Marshall) on June 29, 1946. Mrs. Hailston passed away in 1980. He then married Dorothy (Leonard) in 1986. John is survived by his wife Dorothy, sons: Lauren Hailston and his wife Margaret of Herkimer, and Bruce Hailston and his wife Denise of Midland, MI. He also leaves his grandchildren: Melody Ann and husband Joe Collins, Daniel and wife Cindy Hailston, Lauren Hailston, Jr. and wife Nancy, Katie Hailston and Nicholas Hailston; along with seven great-grandchildren: Devin, McKenzie, Teresa and Kendell Collins, Tyler, Gabrielle and Richard Hailston; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and step-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother-in-law: Donald Marshall of New Bern, NC. In addition to his parents and first wife Lois Ann, he was also predeceased by a sister Dorothy Coakley and brothers Gordon, Ellis, and Earl Jr. There are no calling hours. There will be a memorial service later this spring in the chapel at Crown Hill Cemetery, Kirkland, with final committal following the service. The family is being served by the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (866-1011). To add to Mr. Hailston’s online memorial, please visit our website at www.eneafamily.com.