Earl B. Gambrel's Obituary
Decatur – Earl Burdette (Red) Gambrel, 86, departed from this earthly life at 3:45 pm on 14 January 2010 in his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Services to celebrate Earl’s life will be held at 12 noon Monday, January 18, 2010 at the Star of Hope Mausoleum at Graceland Cemetery with Reverend Marla Bauler officiating. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to services at the mausoleum. Entombment with Military Rites will be conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. The “Flight Home” Ceremony will conclude services.
Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements. Memorial contributions may be sent to Children’s Memorial Foundation Dept 4589, Carol Stream, Illinois 60122 in honor of Earl’s two great-grandsons whom suffer from chronic epilepsy. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Earl was born February 26, 1923 in Foosland, Illinois, the son of Charles and Blanche (Pullen) Gambrel. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1941. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII under General McArthur as a member of the Statistical and Report Section Library at General McArthur’s headquarters in Tokyo. While in high school he met the love of his life, Marjorie Kistler. They were married on 13 November 1943 in Macomb, Mississippi.
He was a devoted husband who treasured his three daughters, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. In his spare time his passion was fishing and traveling. He especially enjoyed the mountains with their natural lakes and streams. He was the owner of Merry Motor Supply from 1 January 1978 until retirement in 1990. While his work ethic and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all, we are confident he is now one with the Lord.
Surviving are his wife of 66 years Marjorie M. (Kistler); children Dee Ann Hopper and husband Arthur, Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin, Janet Shepherd and husband Robert, Decatur, Marsha Boehm, Huntsville, Alabama; grandchildren Jeff Wilke, Stefanie Allen, Nicole Provost, Erin King, Kurtis Boehm, Chelsea Boehm, and Reid Boehm; and great-grandchildren Claire, Nate, Briar, Greyson, Marcus Jr, Amelia, and Palyn. Also surviving are one sister Doris Hauer, and one brother Bob Gambrel.
The family wishes to express special thanks and appreciation to the St. Mary’s Hospice Staff and Doctors Fritz and Esparaz for their loving care.
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