Lt Settles
Age - 79
November 23, 2023
LIFE REFLECTIONSOn September 8, 1944 a new star formed on the horizon and started making its descent to earth. It landed in the loving arms of Ather Lee and Pinkie Lee Settles in Saint Louis, Missouri. This was the beginning of a new constellation on the galaxy. The star was a robust baby boy Lionel and he immediately showed his charismatic ways of giving love and affection. He was soon joined on the rotation by his six loving siblings, who also illuminated the sky. Joining him on this journey were Carole Settles, the late Deborah Morganfield, Janeen Hawkins, Edwina Settles, Kenneth Settles, and Antoinette Blackburn. These shining lights became known around the Goose Hill area and Sixth Street. They were beacons of hope and love for all to see. Lionel led the way as he entered the local grade school Franklin Elementary and became popular among his classmates. He became the neighborhood hero among team members and peers. He entered Hughes Quinn Junior High and Lincoln Senior High where his popularity grew in the area of a leader. He enjoyed all sports and his skills helped him become a star among other players. He was sought after by colleges and upon graduation in 1963 he eagerly planned to leave for higher learning. He later decided he would find employment and earn more money for school. His grandfather, the late Monroe Settles helped him land a position in the big thriving steel industry. Lionel developed a real zeal for work and started rising to other positions in the steel industry. By 1964 his son, Roderic Horne was born and he realized he had a greater responsibility to improve his earning power. In 1965, Lionel met his soon to be wife, Jackie Gaiter and decided he wanted to advance his career and settle down. It was then that he proposed marriage and brought into the world his second child, Monica. As a promising young dad he set his sights on higher learning and found employment as a bus driver, a bread salesman and ultimately applied for employment with the City of East St. Louis Police Department. This new endeavor found him achieving higher education to reach his goals. Upon graduating from the police academy in 1972, once inside the department he served in various capacities. During his early years he was asked to join the after hours security team at National Food Store. He joined National and worked between off duty police hours at the store. In his capacity at the store, he rose to the head of security and worked both jobs full time, retiring from each position. During those early days, he became a member of a newly formed Drug Enforcement Unit. Along with his team members the community saw a reduction in street crimes, illegal gambling and violence through the work of this unit referred to as the "Task Force". As Lionel advanced, his commanders encouraged him to test for higher positions. He rose to the rank of Sergeant. He tested for the position of Lieutenant, scoring very high. His crowning glory as a Lieutenant came when he opened the Community Oriented Policing unit (COP) in 1997. The concept brought a renewed vitality to the citizens working with the police to stop crime. He later was promoted to Captain. In 1999, Lionel was appointed by the first female mayor of East St. Louis, Debra Powell to serve as Assistant Chief of Police. This enthusiastic workaholic in 2002 decided to hang up his guns and join the ranks of the young, free and retired. It only lasted a month when he decided to accept employment with a federal security company contractor, working for an additional five years. This young at heart man held terrific parties at his home along with his adoring wife, Jackie inviting all to come and have a great time. His annual family friendly bashes were the talk of the town. Lionel departed this life Saturday, November 18, 2023. He and Jackie were to celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary November 19, 2023. Lionel leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of fifty-seven years, Jackie; two children, Roderic Horne and Monica Settles-White (Leonard Anderson) of Fairview Heights, IL; two grandchildren, Mikhail and Angelina; siblings: Carole Settles, Janeen (Greg) Hawkins of Baton Rouge, LA, Edwina Settles of Fairview Heights, IL, Kenneth Settles of East St. Louis, IL and Antoinette Blackburn of Atlanta, GA; in-laws: Bernardette (Alfredric Cathion), Bernard (Kathy) Gaiter, Cheryl (Van) Hardison, Bobby (Barbara) Gaiter, Wendy Jimerson, Michael Gaiter Sr. , Ava (Willie) Arnold, Yolanda (John) Blair and Donna Gaiter; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; a devoted supporter and friend his godmother, Sister Julia Husikamp also mourns his loss. "The bright star dims its light and falls on some distant shore. " To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of LT. COL. LIONEL SETTLES, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.Show more
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