George R. "Rusty" Wilson

George R. "Rusty" Wilson, age 70 of Table Grove, Illinois, passed away at 11:11 pm Saturday, February 2, 2019 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. He was born on August 29, 1948 in Canton, Illinois, the son of George and Margie (Malott) Wilson. He married Mary Dennis on March 31, 1984 in Vermont, Illinois. She survives.

Also surviving are three children, Peggy (and Brad) Eddington of Vermont, Johnny (and Denika) Dennis of Table Grove, and Dusty (and Laura) Wilson of Austin, Texas, 11 grandchildren; Nichole (and Josh) Miller of Ipava, Jonathan (and Ashley) Vance of Vermont, Danny Vance of Freeburg, IL, Aaron Eddington of Texas, Michael, Austin, MacKenzie, and Ethan Dennis of Table Grove, and Abagail, Madison, and Andrew Wilson of Austin TX, 4 great-grandchildren; Katie and Keagan Miller of Ipava and Hayden and Dexter Vance of Vermont, and his sister Sandy (and Les) Belville of Princeville, IL.

Rusty was preceded in death by an infant son, Wayne Wilson.

He was an Army veteran, serving in the 4th Army of the United States from March 8, 1968 until March 5, 1971 and served in Vietnam from February 28, 1969 to May 27, 1969 where he was awarded the Purple Heart. While serving her earned the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, and the sharpshooter badge.

He was owner and operator of R and M Service and Sales in Vermont, where he sold and serviced appliances and T.V.'s for 5 years. He then worked at Graham Hospital as a bio-medicine technician for over 20 years.

Rusty was a member of the Vermont United Methodist Church and the Vermont Masonic Lodge #116 AF and AM.

His hobbies included ham radio, fishing, and hunting. He enjoyed playing cards, traveling, caving, and camping with his family.

He loved his family and enjoyed each and everyone of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Services will be held on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 11:00 a.m at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Reverend Robert Green and Pastor Bennett Woods will officiate. Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm on Thursday, February 7th at the funeral home with Masonic Rites being conducted at 8:00 pm. Memorials may be made to the Vermont United Methodist Church or the Table Grove Rescue Squad.