Hershel D. Gillenwater, 78, passed way in the evening of May 14, 2019 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, Illinois.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2019 at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery, with Rev. J.P. Robbins, officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Hershel was born on June 14, 1940 in Gate City, Virginia to Oburn and Flora (Lane) Gillenwater. He worked as a Park Attendant for 15 years. He married Marilynn A. Tunget on May 21, 1983 at the New Life Fellowship with Pastor John Paul Robbins. Hershel was a member of the New Life Fellowship and Abundant Life Fellowship. He had a green thumb and took pride in his garden. He was an avid farmer, loved to watch storms on the porch, and ride his mower while cutting the grass.
He is survived by his three children, Hershel D. (Faye) Gillenwater, of Parsons, TN, Brenda (Matt) McCague, and Kimberly (Randy) Deck, both of Ottawa, 7 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, a brother Jay (Blanch) Gillenwater, and two sisters Rosie and Elvie Gillenwater.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marilynn, a daughter, Mitzi (Gillenwater) Mason, a grandson, Jacob Mason, two brothers, Carl and Vernon Gillenwater, and a sister, Angiebelle Gillenwater.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Pallbearers will be Anthony Mason, Robert Deck, and Randy Smith.
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7
Jun
1601 Ottawa Avenue
Ottawa, IL 61350
