Ernest G. Gilman

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Ernest "Ernie" G. Gilman, age 79, died at 3:55 a.m. Monday, July 23, 2012 at Decatur (Ill.) Memorial Hospital.

Ernest Gilman was born Nov. 15, 1932 in Reelsville, the son of Charles Wesley and Helen Louise (Beaman) Gilman.

He graduated from Reelsville High School.

He married Mary Lawson on Aug. 10, 1951.

Ernie worked as a sales representative for Lone Star Industries and retired in 1988 after 37 years of service.

Ernie loved to go boating, water skiing, fishing, hunting, golfing and motorcycling.

He enjoyed traveling and watching formula racing, he collected World War II memorabilia.

He was very personable and seemed to never know a stranger. But overall, his family and friends always came first.

Surviving are his wife Mary, son, Mike Gilman (Cheryl) of Dalton City, daughter Lisa Bracken (Craig) of Illiopolis, three granddaughters, Kelley Bracken, Hilary Gilman and Cara Gilman.

Preceded in death by his parents and niece, Faith Ann McKean.

Ernest was a great husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed. Thank you, Dr. Fritz and staff, also Mika, his special nurse at Lincoln Rehabilitation Center.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 26 at Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church, 345 W. Main St., Mt. Zion, Ill.

Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, July 27 also at the church, with Pastor Joel Stevenor, officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Township Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to: Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church.

Tanzyus-Logan Funeral Service and Care, Decatur. Ill., is in charge of arrangements.

Persons may sign the family guestbook at www.leavememoriesnotdebt.com.