Renth, W.

W. E. Renth, 87, of New Baden, died Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Faith Countryside in Highland. He was born May 2, 1926 in St. Louis, MO son of W. F. and Amelia E. (Trippel) Renth. Mr. Renth is survived by a sister, Betty L. Renth of New Baden. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Wilma P. Renth and Arline Barrow; and a brother-in-law, G. H. Barrow. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy serving in the Pacific during WWII aboard the USS Franklin CV13. The ship was hit off the coast of Japan on March 19, 1945 and the ship ended up being towed back to the United States. Upon his return from service he attended St. Louis University and was then hired at Farmers & Merchants State Bank in New Baden as a temporary employee. He progressed to full time and finished his more than 60 year banking career as Executive Vice-President of First County Bank of New Baden. He was a graduate of New Baden High School class of 1944 and St. Louis University School of Business and Commerce. He also attended numerous financial seminars. He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in New Baden where he formerly served on the board of trustees; he was a member of the American Legion Post 321 in New Baden where he was the longtime Chief Financial Officer; and was a former member of the New Baden Lions Club. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at Zion United Church of Christ in New Baden with Rev. Gretchen Sterrett officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in New Baden. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, September 16, 2013 and from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. The New Baden American Legion will visit the funeral home at 7 PM Monday. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice and will be received at the funeral home.