Gerald Wayne Baltzell Sr.

Gerald Wayne Baltzell Sr. MARION-Gerald Wayne Baltzell Sr., 69, of Marion passed away at 6:40 PM, Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, April 11, 2009 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Reverend Ray Conley and Brother Carl Phelps officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, April 10, 2009 at the funeral home. Entombment will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Energy. Memorials may be made to Hickory Grove Christian Church; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Mr. Baltzell was born September 10, 1939 in Alto Pass to Lloyd and Dorothy (Smith) Baltzell. He married Anna Marie Taylor on April 18, 1962; together they shared nearly 47 years of marriage. Survivors include his wife, Anna of Marion; children, Gerald Wayne & Beverly Baltzell Jr. of Marion, John Lloyd & Bobbie Baltzell of Marion, Richard Lynn & Janelle Baltzell of Pittsburg, Carl Dean & Lisa Baltzell of Marion, Edward Ray & Daphne Skelton of Bluford, and Teresa June Carter & Pete Wells of St. Augustine, Florida; 20 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren whom he loved very much. Siblings, Harley Baltzell of Makanda, Dennis Baltzell of Carbondale, Lendel Baltzell of Carbondale, Larry & Rita Baltzell of Murphysboro, Carroll & Mary Baltzell of Grafton, Wisconsin, Harold & Lora Baltzell of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Clifford & Anita Baltzell of Albany, Georgia, Lloyd Baltzell of Leesburg, Georgia, Reva & Jody Reese of Elkville, and Patsy Walker of Carterville; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is leaving a wonderful church family at Hickory Grove Christian Church, Where he was a member. He also leaves his best friends, Floyd & Darlene Summers of Carterville, as well as very dear friends, Patsy & Roger Potocti of Goreville. He was preceded in death by his parents. Gerald was a former construction laborer and farmer who loved to fish, hunt, and camp. He also served his country in the United States Army. He will be missed by all who knew him.