He married Bertha E. Korth in September 1948; she passed away in 1985. He also had a long-time companion, Ruth (Yerby) Korth; she passed away in 2007.
He is survived by his daughters, Linda (Steve) Turner of Glen Ellyn, IL, and Diana (Bryan) Quinnelly of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren, Brian (Jamie) Wong of Henderson, NV, Kevin (Carolyn) Wong of Wheaton, IL, and Caroline Quinnelly of Scottsdale, AZ; great-grandchild, Ezra Wong of Wheaton, IL.; sister-in-law, Irene (C. Ronald) Gibson of Farmington, IL; nephews & nieces, Gene (Peggy) Gibson, Kenneth (Janet) Gibson, Sharon (Bill) Coykendall, Pam (Ted) Richardson, Debbie (Steve) Boyer, Ellen Brogan, Judy (Gordon) Morris, and their families. He was especially close to his great-nephew, Wes (Shari) Coykendall, neighbor, and close friend, Val Bybee, and Elsie Anhalt.
He was beloved by his family and his many friends.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; siblings, C. Ronald Gibson of Elmwood, IL, Helen (Gibson) Bailey of Knoxville, IL, and Leslie Gibson of Victoria, IL; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Edward and Eva Korth; brother and sister-in-laws; Richard & Eloise Korth, Richard (Helen) Bailey, and Donald & Betty Korth; and nephew, James Bailey.
After graduating from Elmwood High School, he served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946, as the Yeoman Third Class USNR, where he was awarded the American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Ribbon. He also was an active member of the VFW for over 50 years.
He resided in Elmwood, Laura, and Monica farming and working construction as part of the local operating engineers; and for several years, he ran the former Fiesta Club in Brimfield, IL.
He also resided in Daytona Beach, FL, where he worked with Local 673 to help build Disney World.
He then returned to Peoria, IL, working for Caterpillar where he retired in 1989. After retiring, he resided to his families former farm in Abingdon, IL, and later moved to Elmwood, IL.
He was an avid hunter, fisherman, loved red vehicles especially convertibles, and loved flying, over the years owned multiple airplanes as a private pilot. He also loved traveling and playing cards as well as watching baseball and football.
In lieu of formal services, the family will be hosting a Celebration of Life at a later time to be announced in Elmwood, IL.
Memorials may be made to B.Y.E. Ambulance, Elmwood, IL, or St Jude.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are being handled by Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood.
No comments:
Post a Comment