Gary Eason

MARION, Ill. — Gary Edward Eason, 83, of Marion passed away peacefully at 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, at his home.

He was born Thursday, Aug. 2, 1934, in Marion, the son of Charles Webster “Web” and Anna Pearl Shreve Eason.

Gary attended school in Marion and was a graduate of Marion High School class of 1952.

After graduation, Gary answered the call of his nation by enlisting in the United States Army, serving during the Korean War. After his period of faithful service, he was honorably discharged in 1955 with the rank of corporal.

Gary continued his education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, and obtained his bachelor’s degree in Education.

He was united in marriage to Shirley June Darter on June 18, 1957, and together they have shared over 60 years of marriage.

Gary’s working career was with the Social Security Administration in Cape Girardeau for 23 years, and he was district manager when he retired.

He was a member of the Second Baptist Church of Marion and Heyde-Pillow VFW Post No. 1301 and American Legion Post No. 147, both of Marion.

He was an avid Bears fan and fisherman, enjoying going to Florida to fish in the winter and collecting antique fishing items.

Though he always was busy, the most important part of his life was family. He was always interested in all of their many activities. The many memories that have been created now will be cherished by those he leaves behind.

Gary is survived by his wife, Shirley J. Eason of Marion; two daughters and one son-in-law, Gayla Jo Eason of Nashville, Tennessee, and Kimberly Ann and Wynn Rust of Cocoa Beach, Florida; one son, Michael Scott Eason of Cape Girardeau; six grandchildren, Jefferey and Chelsie East, Lauren and Drew Yancey and Erik, Rachel, Rebekah and Sarah Rust; five great-grandchildren, Elle and Thomas Eason Yancey and Avery, Sam and Drew East; sister-in-law, Jo-Nell Blue of Marion; brother-in-law, Mike and Bonnie Darter; other extended family; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Web and Ann Eason.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion.

The visitation will be from 1 until 2 p.m. today at the funeral home.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ashby Tillery presiding. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery of Marion.

Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery by members of Heyde-Pillow VFW Post No. 1301 and American Legion Post No. 147, and members of the United States National Guard Funeral Honors Burial Detail.

For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to either or both St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Hospice of Southern Illinois, and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

For additional information, call the funeral home at (618) 993-2131.