Mr. Gary E. Shively, 80, of Wataga, Illinois, passed away at 11:08 am Friday, November 6, 2020, at Marigold Rehabilitation and Health Center in Galesburg.
He was born April 20, 1940, in Galesburg, the son of Edwin and Challene (Delawder) Shively. He married Sharon Swanson in 1961 and later married Martha Schmitz on December 17, 1994.
Surviving are his wife Martha of Wataga; two daughters, Renee (Frank) Culp of Denison, Texas, and Shelli Taylor of Oneida; a sister, Donna (Larry) Davis of Shorewood, Illinois; four grandchildren, Megan Culp of Denison, Texas, Shane (Sarah) Culp of Burkburnett, Texas and Victoria (Troy) Thacker of Tucson, Arizona, and James (and Rebecca) Culp of Okinawa, Japan; seven great-grandchildren; Colton, Carson, Declan, Tristan, Emmery, Astyn, and Collin; three step-children, Albert (Marla) Schmitz, Becky (Tim) Hunter and Deann Huffman; five step-grandchildren and one step-great granddaughter. Also his special friend of over 65 years, Mike Swanson. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Gary graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. A year after graduating, he began working for the CB&Q Railroad as a conductor for 42 years and retired in 2002. He was a past member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg. Gary enjoyed working on cars, building and/or repairing anything, playing cards with family and friends, and spending winters at their second home in Texas.
Graveside services will be 12 Noon Thursday, November 12, 2020 at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. Rev. Mary Runge will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Gary’s honor to OSF Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
