Bartly Dale Southerd was born in 1963 on the 7^th of June to Vernon Dale and Judith Ann Southerd in Mt. Vernon, IL. He was a member of the wrestling and football teams at Mount Vernon Township High School. Bart played offense and defense for the Rams. He was awarded hitter of the year and made team captain. After graduating from high school, class of ‘81, Bart honorably served his country as a member of The Army National Guard. At age 20, Bart began his 41-year tenure at General Tire, later becoming Continental Tire of the Americas. There he participated in all unionization attempts of the era. He married the love of his life, Gwendolyn (Gwenny Kay) Harrison on the 11^th of May in 1996.

  The young couple welcomed their first son, Dennis Dale on April 1^st, 1997.  On May 18^th, 2000, Bart and Gwenny were blessed with another baby boy, Daniel Edgar. Throughout his life, Bart enjoyed all genres of music often attending concerts. In 2006 he and his two young sons formed Gospel Messengers a family trio with wife Gwenny serving as their sound technician. They traveled for 18 years throughout eight states, singing over a thousand concerts.

Bart worshipped at First United Methodist Church where he was an active member. He looked forward to practices and singing in the FUMC Chancel Choir, the first and finest in Southern Illinois. He also enjoyed serving as an usher, greeter, and trustee.

He rode his 2010 Harley Davidson Ultra Limited and 2012 Fatboy with his family and closest friends anytime he had an opportunity. He liked watching the Cardinals and Blues, bicycling, playing dominoes and rummy with family, walking with Jake, mowing, and reading books his sons had suggested.   

“Home” was with Bart as he completed the battle with ALS on Friday, September 27^th. 5:07 am. at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He remained brave, kind-hearted, patient, loving, and thankful throughout his journey.

Bart is survived by his wife, two sons, parents, little sister Robin (Michael) Campbell, sister-in-law (adoptive daughter) Haley (Jose) Rivera, niece Ashley Campbell, nephew (adoptive grandson) Mateo Rivera, and his “best dog ever” Jake. He is also survived by many cousins, dearly loved friends, and respected coworkers.

Visitation will be held Friday the 11^th from 5-8 pm and a “Celebration of Life” service will be held on Saturday the 12^th at 11am. Both services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon.