Delbert Thurman Gillis

Delbert Thurman Gillis, 84, of Heyworth, passed away at 10:25 a.m. Tuesday, March 11 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15 at the Heyworth Christian Church, Heyworth.  Rev. Kurt Flora officiated.  Burial was Sunday, March 16 at Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville, with graveside military rites accorded.  Rev. Howard Self officiated.  Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 14 at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth, with Masonic services at 7:30 and visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Heyworth Educational Foundation.
Mr. Gillis was born September 7, 1918 in Oakland to Herman and Nancy (Gillis) Gillis.  He married Ellaura D. Engelhardt August 19, 1947 in Oakland.  She passed away August 14, 2001.
Surviving are one son:  Paul E. (Carol) Gillis of Portland, Maine; two daughters:  Mary Jane (Rodger) Zook of Heyworth and Melba D. Myler of Indiana; five grandchildren:  Ryan Ehrenkaufer of Normal, Jennifer and Amanda Zook of Heyworth and Eric and Andrew Gillis of Portland, Maine and his twin brother:  Albert (Jeana) Gillis of Littleton, Colo.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers:  Elmer and Marvin Gillis.
He graduated from Oakland High School in 1936.  He then served in the United States Army in Northern Africa and in Italy during WWII.  After his discharge from the army, he wa a baker at Hines V.A. Hospital in Maywood for 35 years.  He relocated to Heyworth in 1981 after his retirement.
He and his wife enjoyed gardening, walking and community events.  They traveled extensively covering 48 states.  Throughout his life he was an avid bicyclist.
He was a member of the Heyworth Christian Church, Heyworth and the Oakland V.F.W.  He was a 32nd degree mason and was involved with the Boy Scouts of America for many years.
