Walter E. Gresham Sr., 72, of Metamora passed away at 1:27pm Sunday April 17, 2011 at his residence with family by his side.
He was born on February 12, 1939 in Minier, IL the son of Leo P. and Olive M. Smith Gresham. He married Geneva Killough on August 13, 1966 in Chicago.
Surviving are two daughters Karen Gresham of Clinton, IL and Kathy Gresham and her boyfriend Bruce Brucker of Washington. One son Walter (Christine) Gresham Jr. of Lancaster, SC. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren, 1 great grand
daughter as well as two step-daughters Genie (Ron) Kalley of Normal, IL, and Danette (Steve) Bellman of Secor, IL three step-sons Perry (Carol) Rhoades of Washburn, Scott (Kathy) Rhoades of Midlothian, VA and Steve (Angel) Rhoades of Jacksonville, NC. 18 step grandchildren and 15 step great grandchildren also survive him
He is further survived by three sisters Barb Swanson of Washburn, IL Marilyn Cooley of Shennandoah, TX, Nellie Gresham of Kearney, NE; three brothers Lawrence (Judy) Gresham, Herb (Peggy) Gresham all of Peoria Heights and Harrison Gresham of Garnavillo, IA. His parents, one brother and two sisters preceded him in death.
An US Air Force Veteran serving from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1962. During his service time he fit nuclear weapons to B-47’s.
He was an installer of garage doors for many years last working for Brinkman Brothers Garage Door Co. before retiring in 2001. He loved fishing, golfing, gardening, woodworking and playing the guitar and listening to older country music.
Services will be 11am Friday April 22, at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel with the Rev. Richard Rosenbush officiating. Visitation will be one-hour prior to his services. Burial will follow his service at Linn Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Washburn. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in his name to the Allen Court Group Home 1650 E. Main St. Clinton, IL 61727.