American Legion Manhattan Illinois Post 935

02/18/2026

02/09/2026

James P. Baskerville died Monday, February 9 at home in Manhattan. Born March 14, 1944, Jim was a lifelong farmer, raising grains, hay, and cattle. The son of Walter and Elsie Kestel Baskerville, he and his sisters grew up on the family farm that his grandfather purchased in 1892. Jim married Mary Whitler in 1981, and they raised four children: Ann, John, Luke, and Megan. John married Melissa Martino, and they are the parents to Jim’s grandchildren: Charlie, Michael, and Teddy. Serving in the United States Army during the 1960s, Jim returned home and became active in Manhattan American Legion Post 935. He served as the post’s chaplain and commander, and for many years as the Boys State chair. He also represented Post 935 on the Veteran’s Assistance Commission and remained the chaplain for the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Support Committee through January of this year, helping to spearhead the work to fund and install the statue of President Lincoln at the cemetery. Jim also conducted many services at the cemetery as a member of the Honor Guard squad.
Summers saw Jim looking forward to the first cutting of hay, the Will County Threshermen’s Show and the Will County Fair. Baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, he became a lifelong member, serving as an usher, reader, and Eucharistic Minister.
Jim also worked for the Manhattan Township Highway Department and as a young man enjoyed working at the EJE Railroad in the data processing department. Jim is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and sisters, Ruthann Baskerville and Joyce Baskerville. Jim’s value of family meant he loved keeping in touch with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family gatherings were cherished as were special holidays with his cousin, Margaret Kennedy Benoit and her family, Bill and Beth, and the family gatherings and Christmas Eve traditions at the Whitlers.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Walter and Elsie Kestel Baskerville and a little sister, Louise, who passed in 1950, as well as cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation for Jim will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 4-8:00pm at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place the following day, Friday, February 13, 2026, beginning with prayers at the funeral home at 11:00am followed by procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Manhattan for 11:30am Mass of Christian Burial.

Interment with full military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, will take place at 1:00pm. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.

12/10/2025

WILLIAM HICKS OBIT
William Elmer Hicks, age 96, of Manhattan, passed away peacefully with his loving wife at his side on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Silver Cross Hospital, New Lenox. Survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 77 years Dolores “Dolly” (nee Sully) Hicks, his son Jeffrey (Rebecca) Hicks, and his sister Betty (Donald) Crabbe. Preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Leona (nee Alstott) Hicks, his sister and brother-in-law Juanita and Robert Delzell and his parents-in-law John and Lenora (nee Murray) Sully. William was born at home on Mohawk St. in Joliet, IL. He attended Culbertson Grade School, graduated from Joliet Township High School class of ’47 and Joliet Junior College. After high school, William married Dolly on August 8, 1948. He secured a position at Commonwealth Edison where he retired as Senior Marketing Engineer in 1988. William served his country with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He attained CPL and was an Intelligence Analyst and went to Counterintelligence School in Baltimore, MD. William was an excellent marksman attaining High Expert Rifleman, Girand Rifle #10. William was not one to sit idle, he built two of his homes and finished the one where he and his wife currently reside in Ranch Oaks, Manhattan. William was a talented musician and played the guitar, banjo and mandolin. He was also a talented wood worker and carver and was a member of the Will County Wood Chiselers and the National Wood Carvers Association. He carved many pieces including carousel animals and a life size horse. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge #296 and the Wright ‘B’ Flyers. William had his pilot’s license and loved flying; he flew his solo at Lewis University. William was a long-time member of the Manhattan, IL American Legion Post 935. He also had a few Harley motorcycles which he enjoyed riding over the years. A loving husband, father, brother and friend; he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in William’s name to the charity of your choice would be most appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.

07/31/2025

Our monthly meeting in November will be at the Township Building at 7 PM on Thursday November 20, 2025.

02/06/2025

I Honor Those Who Served Banners for Year 2025 announced.

Print and complete both parts of the application to arrange for placement of a veteran banner for this year.

02/06/2025

I Honor Banner Program for year 2025 (Part 2 of application)

11/20/2024

November 17th Chili Cook Off was a great success with a huge turnout and lots of chili to sample.

11/16/2024

Chili Cook-Off To Benefit Manhattan Farm That Feeds Veterans
Manhattan Sons of the Legion and The Manhattan Legion Riders have partnered for a Nov. 17 chili cook-off to support Farm2Veteran.
A chili cook-off planned by two local veteran-centric groups is set to raise money for a local farm dedicated to providing meals for veterans in need.

Set for 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at Gallagher's Pub, the event is organized by the Manhattan Sons of the Legion and The Manhattan Legion Riders, with proceeds benefitting Farm2Veteran. The 60-acre Manhattan farm nurtures livestock, a greenhouse and a garden in a mission to produce quality food for veterans experiencing food insecurity.

The organization seemed a natural fit as a beneficiary for the two veterans' groups' first joint fundraising effort.
"We're really going all out, and we've got our fingers crossed," said Bob Metzger, of American Legion Post 935.

Both groups are branches of the American Legion and are newer to the veterans' support community, with the American Legion Riders formed just more than a year ago, and the Sons of the American Legion not yet quite a year old. The Legion Riders brings together veterans who also pilot motorcycles. Sons of the American Legion offers a place for anyone who did not serve, but whose family members did, to enjoy the patriotism and camaraderie fostered within the veteran community.

Also in its early years, Farm2Veteran continues to work to expand its presence and ability to address food insecurity among veterans. In addition to cultivating its homegrown produce, the farm also focuses on ethical, sustainable practices in caring for its livestock.

"We’re very honored they chose us to be the beneficiary of this event," said Michelle Keller, director of community development and administration with Farm2Veteran.

The cook-off is still open to entries; pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. A sign-up sheet is located at Gallagher's Pub. It's free to enter a chili. Admission to the event is $10. Attendees will sample all the chili, then cast their votes for their favorites. Free hot dogs will also be provided.

11/15/2024

Members of Manhattan American Legion Post 935 visits Cub Scout Pack 155 to demonstrate proper U S Flag folding technique and flag etiquette.

06/17/2024

NATIONAL CEMETERIES OFFER FREE BURIAL FOR VETERANS

Burial in a national cemetery is free to all eligible veterans. Spouses and some dependent children may also be eligible.

There are 155 national cemeteries in 42 states and Puerto Rico.

Burial benefits available include:

1. A gravesite in any cemetery with available space
2. Opening and closing of the grave
3. Perpetual care
4. A government-provided headstone or marker
5. A burial flag
6. A Presidential Memorial Certificate
- All of this is provided at no cost to the family.

Some veterans may also be eligible for burial allowances.

Cremated remains may also either be buried or placed in a memorial space in national cemeteries. However, if a family accepts a VA-issued urn or memorial plaque, the veteran is no longer eligible for interment in a national cemetery.

06/14/2024

. June 14, 2024 - "FLAG DAY" in the United States

Click on the link below, to go to our web page where we list the "Do's" for displaying our flag:

https://www.americanlegion935.com/flagedi.htm