Howard (Mitch) Gilliam, 85, of Du Quoin, passed away at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, June 8, 2005 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
Howard was a farmer.  He was of the Protestant faith.  He was a member of the Du Quoin American Legion.  He was a U.S. Army veteran of W.W. II.
He was born April 19, 1920 at Carbondale, the son of Grover and Vella (Elkins) Gilliam.
He married Mary K. Isaacs on October 6, 1940 at Perryville, Mo. and she preceded him in death on September 4, 1977.  He then married Florence (Kimbrell) Rowan on January 11, 1980 at Centralia and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, seven children - Charles R. Gilliam and wife Linda of Du Quoin, Sharon Kay Hinrichs of Springfield, Marsha Pippin and husband Gary of Sunfield, Norma Jean Messer and husband Harold of Du Quoin, Rich Gilliam and wife Brenda of Du Quoin, Bob Gilliam and wife Rhonda of Tamaroa and Janet Kujawa and husband Charlie of Ashley, one step-son - Gary Rowan and wife Phyllis of Du Quoin, 14 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, one son - David Gilliam and one sister.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, June 11, 2005 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Jerry Dunn officiating.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 P.M., Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Interment will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.
