Samuel S. Blane of Petersburg died on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at Kindred Hospital in Springfield at the age of 92 years.

Mr. Blane, a native of Petersburg, was born January 30, 1920, a son of Frank E. and Floss (Shepherd) Blane. He graduated from Knox College immediately prior to World War II and after the war attended and graduated from the University of Illinois Law School. He practiced law in Petersburg for more than 60 years; from 1948 forward.

After law school, he was admitted to the Bar in 1948 and thereafter became the 3rd generation of his family of lawyers to practice in Petersburg. It started with his grandfather, Captain H.S. Blane, whose career commenced in 1867 until 1902; then his father, Frank E. Blane, whose law practice started in 1892 until 1941.

He received the Chicago Tribune Award for Military Proficiency in 1942. A veteran of the Pacific Theatre from World War II, he was commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force with a rank of Major when discharged in 1946. A lifetime member of VFW Post #6871 and a life member of American Legion Post #198 from which in 2007 he achieved 60 years status.

In 1949 in Petersburg he married Greta Schoone, a local resident, and they had one son and two daughters.

Active in many civic and community affairs, he also served his church, Petersburg First Christian Church, as both Elder and Trustee.

In 2004 he received his 60 year pin from the Masonic Lodge, Clinton Lodge #19 A.F. and A.M. in Petersburg, IL. Active in both York and Scottish Rite Masonry, he was a past Sovereign and member Emeritus of the Red Cross of Constantine in Champaign, a past Preceptor and member Emeritus of the Lily of the Valley Tabernacle in Decatur, and created a 33° member of the Scottish Rite in 1970. He belonged to Ansar Shrine and was a member of the Royal Order of Scotland.

He was predeceased by his parents, by Greta Blane, his wife of 57 years, who died on March 30, 2006, three sisters and a brother.

Surviving are his son, Frank E. Blane of Godfrey, IL and daughters Brenda Villwock of Atlanta, GA and Kathleen Blane (Everett) of Athens, GA; seven grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Menard County EMS, 809 Old Salem Road, Petersburg, IL 62675; Sunny Acres Home 19130 Sunny Acres Rd., Petersburg, IL 62675 or a charity of the donor's choice . To express condolences to the family online please visit www.hurleyfh.com