Gerald Leon Bolt, 82, of London Mills, died at home, Monday, September 11, 2023.
He was born March 3, 1941, in Ramsey, Illinois, the son of Obed Leslie and Geraldine Audrey (Finley) Bolt Jr. He grew up in Hanna City and attended Farmington High School. He married Cynthia Joyce Norville on June 25, 1961, in London Mills.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Cynthia; three daughters, Tamra Sue (Steve) Chipman of Good Hope, Tina Jo (Randy) Smith of Maquon, and Tylana Marie (Don) Coop of Prairie City; five grandchildren, Trevor (Colleen) Edmonson, CeaAnne Brown, Amanda (Benjamin) Rahn, Devin Chipman, and Darrin Chipman; four great grandchildren, Molly, Alana, William, and Audrey; and two sisters, Alice (Frank) Curless of Washington, Illinois and Margaret Wood of Rowlett, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Todd Leon Bolt on December 5, 2012; and two brothers, Philip and Wayne Bolt.
Gerald served in the United States Air Force for 20 years. His family joined him while he was stationed in Kansas, Idaho Oklahoma, Nebraska, England, and North Dakota. He was also stationed in Guam and Thailand for a time without his family. When he retired on February 28, 1979, he and Cynthia returned to her hometown of London Mills. He continued working at Brigg’s Pottery in Abingdon, where he was a foreman. He later worked as a truck driver.
He was a member of the Abingdon American Legion Post 381. He enjoyed listening to Country Western music, watching boxing, and most importantly, spending time with his family and friends. He was of Christian faith.
Funeral will be 11 a.m. Monday, September 18, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel. Burial with Military Honors will follow in East Midway Cemetery in London Mills. The family will receive friends at a luncheon following the burial at the Abingdon American Legion. Memorial contributions may be made to the Abingdon American Legion. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
