Gerald W. Illyes

Gerald W. Illyes, 94, of Flat Rock passed away at 4:46pm on January 7th, 2013 in Palestine IL. He was born September 23rd, 1918 in Heathsville IL to Dr. Levi Roscoe and Mary (Waters) Illyes. He served in the Unites States Army during WWII. Gerald was a longtime member of the Pleasant View Church and was a Montgomery Township Trustee for 32 years. He belonged to the American Legion and was on the Palestine telephone board as well as the Farm Bureau. He was active on his farm until he was 90 years old.Gerald married Norma Jean Crouch on October 9th, 1948, and she survives. Also surviving is their son David Illyes and wife Elizabeth of Marshall; daughter-in-law, Teresa Illyes; and three grandchildren, Maggie Illyes, Michael Illyes, and Max Illyes.Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; his son Donald Illyes; his step mother, Mary Geisler-Illyes; three brothers, Dr. Roscoe Illyes, Dr. Frank Illyes and John Illyes; and two sisters, Mary Francis Hocking and Kathryn Adams.Funeral services will be held on January 11, 2013 at 10:30am at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine IL, with Pastor Paul Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery. There will be a time of visitation from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, January 10th. Military rites will be conducted at the cemetery by the combined units of the Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549, Palestine Am Vets Post # 33, Robinson American Legion Post #69, and Flat Rock American Legion Post # 132. Memorials may be made to the Student Benefit Fund of the Palestine School District.