Mr. George L. Onion, 92, of Abingdon, Illinois passed away at 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Seminary Manor in Galesburg, Illinois.
He was born on April 19, 1931, in North Henderson, Illinois to Russell and Lucille (Hendricks) Onion. He married Melba J. Rood on August 29, 1954, at the Abingdon Christian Church.
Surviving are his wife of over 69 years, Melba J. Onion of Abingdon, a son, Brian (wife Cynde) Onion of Abingdon, two daughters, Melanie (husband Bernie Schott) Jensen of Eldersburg, Maryland and Teresa (husband Neal) Kaloupek of Ames, Iowa, a brother, Russell Onion, Jr. of Abingdon. In addition, there are eight grandchildren: Bradley (wife Angie) Onion, Jeffrey Onion, Kaj Jensen, Micah (wife Jen) Jensen, Mariah (husband Adam) Muse, Hannah (husband Adam) Olson, Nathan (wife Elena) Kaloupek, and Elizabeth (husband Louis) Narmour, and twelve great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Gene Onion, and two sisters, Betty Miller and Susan Howard.
George graduated from Abingdon High School in 1949. He then served in the United States Air Force in 1950 during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. He had achieved the rank of Staff Sargeant when he was discharged in 1954. When he came back from the war, he continued his education and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1958 with a degree in agriculture. He and Melba moved to Petersburg, Illinois where George worked several jobs and later became the Superintendent of Public Aid for Menard County. He was then transferred to the Public Aid Office in Knox County and he and Melba moved to Abingdon. George worked several years at the Public Aid Office then decided to become a farmer and later a Rural Postal Carrier for Abingdon and then Galesburg. He retired in 1995. George was very active in the communities in which he lived. He was a member, Elder, and served on the board of the Abingdon Christian Church. He was a member of the Rotary Club both in Petersburg and Abingdon. He was a member of the Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post #381 in Abingdon and the Rural Letter Carriers’ Association. He volunteered for many years for the Abingdon Fall Festival. He enjoyed collecting International Harvester tractors. George was known as a “Jack of all trades” and will be missed by all who knew him.
As George requested, cremation will be accorded. A visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Abingdon Christian Church. A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the church. Officiating will be Pastor Linda Mowrer with the eulogy given by Bobby Malone. Military rites will be conducted at the church by the Abingdon Legion Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Abingdon Christian Church or the Abingdon Rotary Club. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Abingdon Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
