Garry Lee Stegens, 68 of Abingdon, passed away at 6:50 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at the Galesburg Cottage Hospital Emergency Room.
He was born December 11, 1950 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital, the son of Harold David and Evelyn Louise (Althiser) Stegens. He married Vicki Thompson in 1969 in Williamsfield and they later divorced.
Garry is survived by one daughter, Dawn Charles of London Mills; his life partner, Barb DeJaynes and her son Don DeJaynes of Abingdon, and her daughter, Stacy (and Eric) Leath of Galesburg; one stepdaughter, Lisa Stegens of Texas; 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Susan (and Mike George) Blake of London Mills; two brothers, George Stegens of London Mills and Veda (and Lora) Stegens of Hanna City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, David Stegens and his wife Janice Stegens, and his brother-in-law, Harry “Joe” Blake.
Gary graduated from Williamsfield High School in 1969 and later attended the Southwest Texas School of Electronics. He served in the US Army for 12 years and earned the rank of Staff sergeant. He was stationed in Korea, Vietnam and Germany. He also had lived in Buffalo, New York and in Texas. He worked at Mid-Sate in Galesburg as a saw operator for 17 years, retiring on May 2, 2014. His hobbies included playing games, reading books, watching movies, building crafts, bowling and traveling. Most importantly, Garry was a family man.
Even death, Garry is helping others as he was a donor through the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network.
Cremation will be accorded. Private family graveside service with military rites will be held at a later date at East Midway Cemetery near London Mills. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
