A. John Gittings, 82, of Stronghurst, IL, passed away at 9:56 p.m., Thursday, September 14, 2023 at his home.
He was born on May 27, 1941 in LaHarpe, IL, the son of Arlington E. and Ruby Etha (Dowell) Gittings. He was raised and educated in Oquawka, IL and graduated from G & O High School in 1959. John later attended the Burlington Northern Railroad School.
John married Joan L. Gordon on December 20, 1959 at the Biggsville United Methodist Church, Biggsville, IL; she preceded him in death on August 28, 2020.
John worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad for a time. He then farmed in the Biggsville & Kirkwood area until 1982 when he and Joan moved to Missouri to raise cattle and he later became a livestock buyer until his retirement. They moved back to Illinois in 2010, where he worked for Lefler Farms. John enjoyed making furniture, hunting, fishing, and watching his grandkids show livestock. He enjoyed getting together with his classmates for dinner regularly. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
Survivors include his children, Shari (Russ) Campbell of Little York, IL, Darrell Gittings of Stronghurst, IL, Brian (Jody) Gittings of Milan, MO and Jeff (Sonja) Gittings of Macon, MO; his grandchildren, Hillary, Cassie, J.C., Dayne, Ruby, Cameron, Natalie, Gabriel, Paige, Tyler, Ryley, Callie, Shae, and Bodie; his great grandchildren, Clyde, Callahan, Sky, Sage, Myles, Clinton, Brigham, Colton, Brentley; two brothers-in-law, Paul (Joyce) Gordon of Ft. Myers, Fl, Ron James of Oquawka, IL; sister-in-law, Linda Gittings of Burlington, IA, along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Joan Gittings; one brother, Charles Gittings; and one sister, DeAnna James. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 21, 2023 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Interment will be in Oquawka Cemetery, Oquawka, IL. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at the funeral home. Memorials can be made in John’s name for a FFA scholarship at West Central School. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements.
