Gerald Cain

ANNA, Ill. -- Gerald Eugene "Eagle" Cain, 90, of Anna went to be with the Lord at 2:07 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, at his home.

He was born Nov. 6, 1925, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of William Alva and Gladys (Hummel) Cain.

He married Evelyn Smith on Sept. 7, 1947, near Jonesboro, Illinois. She preceded him in death Aug. 21, 2006.

Gerald is survived by his son, Collin Cain of Ware, Illinois; daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Kenton Earnhardt of Dongola, Illinois; four grandchildren, John (Stacy) Earnhart, Justin (Lori) Earnhart, Abraham Cain and Starla Cain; four great-grandchildren, Nicole, Alyssa and Lauren Earnhart and Abrinna Cain; numerous nieces and nephews; cousins; special caregivers; other relatives; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Evelyn Cain; one son, Hugh Cain; one daughter, Crystal Cain; one brother, Earl Cain; and four sisters, Helen, Thelma, Catherine and Mary.

Gerald had a great love for God, his church and his family. He was a member, deacon and Sunday-school teacher at Beech Grove Baptist Church for many years.

He was a graduate of Wolf Lake High School.

Gerald was an avid hunter, member of Ducks Unlimited and the founder and owner of Grassy Lake Hunting Club, where he spent decades guiding, hunting and enjoying the many friendships he built over the years. He especially loved hunting with the Wounded Warriors and country singer John Anderson and many others who hunted at Grassy Lake.

He also had a lifelong love of horses and horseback riding. Gerald was a member of the Union County Saddle Club and always looked forward to the annual nine-day trail ride.

He was an avid SIU Salukis basketball fan and regularly attended their games for many years. His generosity spread over many local organizations, including being the first executive-level investor in the Union County CEO Program (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) for local high-school students.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.

Funeral services for Gerald Eugene "Eagle" Cain will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with Pastor Gerrell Ray Cain and Pastor Tony Foeller officiating.

Interment will be in the Anna City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Carmi Baptist Children's Home. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements.