Gilbert A. Beasley

Gilbert A. Beasley CRAB ORCHARD-Gilbert A. Beasley, 82, of Crab Orchard passed away at 8:50 PM, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM Sunday, February 21, 2010 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion, with Brother Dennis Jones officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Saturday, February 20, 2010 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Ferrell Cemetery, Crab Orchard. Military rites will be held at the cemetery by VFW Post 1301, American Legion Post 147 and the National Guard. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Gilbert was born October 18, 1927 in Williamson County, IL to Elza and Mamie (Doss) Beasley. He married Helen Newbold on December 1, 1951 in Marion; she preceded him in death on November 4, 2004. Survivors include his daughter, Rene and Rodger Morris of Crab Orchard; son, Bruce Beasley of Crab Orchard; grandchildren, Amanda and Chris Jones, Nicki and Ryan Ashmore, and Heather Morris; great grandchildren, Noah Christopher Jones, Halle Jo Ashmore and Baby Jones who is on the way; and sisters, Winnie and J.H. Payne and Sue and Alan Holmes all of Crab Orchard. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and sister, Wanda Starnes-Simmons. Mr. Beasley loved to catfish and enjoyed camping, farming and bailing hay. He was of the Baptist faith and was a member of UMWA. He served his country honorably with the US Army. He loved his family and spent much time with time with them.