Statue to be dedicated to half-century mayor

MARION, Ill. (AP) — An 86-year-old southern Illinois mayor who has been in office for a half century is being honored with a life-size bronze statue.

The Southern Illinoisan (http://bit.ly/14kujkc) reports that the monument to Marion Mayor Bob Butler will be dedicated April 16 in the 17,000-resident city's Tower Square.

The project was conceived by Kevin McConnell, the president and CEO of the area's Lifeline Ambulance. McConnell says people often aren't honored until after they've died, so it's worthy to honor Butler while he's still in office. Butler has held the post since John F. Kennedy was president.

The monument will but include the names of every Marion council member who has served with Butler.

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Information from: Southern Illinoisan, http://www.southernillinoisan.com