Edward Bilek

Edward Lee Bilek, 77, of Millersville passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2005, at his home.

He was born Sept. 7, 1927, in O'Fallon, Ill., son of the late Frank S. and Ann Foy Bilek. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Frank Ronketto. He and Verna Brennecke were married Dec. 22, 1950, in Cape Girardeau.

Ed graduated from O'Fallon High School in 1945. He was inducted into the U.S. Navy Dec. 3, 1945, and was honorably discharged Oct. 7, 1947.

After being discharged he attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau from 1947 to 1950. Ed then worked at various positions with the Co-op Service Center in Jackson for many years, and was manager at the Co-op Service Center in McClure, Ill. He and his son started the Bilek Gas Co. in Millersville in 1985.

Ed was a member of Haynes Chapel Congregational Meth-odist Church near Millersville.

Loving survivors include his wife of 54 years, Verna; a son and daughter-in-law, Harold and Virginia Bilek of Millersville; three daughters and a son-in-law, Connie and Joe Schaefer of St. Peters, Mo., Diane Dahl and Lisa Bilek of Jackson; a sister-in-law, Arline Bilek of St. Joseph, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Brandy and Barbara Bilek, Kyle Bilek and wife Nichol, Lacey, Cole and Carley Bilek, Amy Schmuriger and husband Mark, Scott Schaefer; and four great-grandchildren, Kylie and Hunter Bilek, and Tyler and Emma Schmuriger.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Frank Samuel Bilek, and a grandson, Fletcher Bilek.

Friends may call at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jerry Sander officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Methodist Cemetery near Millersville, with graveside military honors.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Fairview Methodist Cemetery.