Eugene Ross Bramel's Obituary
Eugene Ross Bramel (Shorty), 94, Decatur, IL, formerly Oakley and Cerro Gordo, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Shelbyville, IL.
Eugene was born on August 17, 1930, in Mt Auburn, IL to William Oscar Bramel and Hannah Jane Sanders. He graduated from Blue Mound High School in 1948 and worked as a data processor at Federal Mutual Insurance in Decatur for 20 years. In 1965 he started ER Bramel & Sons Tree Service and in 1967 became the last licensed Illinois State tree expert. The business was later changed to Bramel Tree Service where he worked until 1995, when he retired. Eugene loved working with trees and his family and was truly an expert tree man. He was married to Dona Walker for 30 years and had three sons, Martin, Russell and Doug. He married Wanda Gray in 1984 and had 4 stepchildren, Diane, Star, Georgianna and Leroy. They were married for 26 years. He loved watching his favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs.
Eugene is survived by his sons, Martin (Patricia) Bramel Shelbyville IL, Russell Bramel Cerro Gordo IL, and Doug (Karen) Bramel Hammond, IL, daughters Diane (Rick) Hedden Decatur IL, Star (Jerry) Crum Lovington IL, Georgianna (Travis) Rentfrow Cerro Gordo, IL and stepson Leroy (Sharilyn) Goodbear, Lovington IL, 15 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 1 great, great granddaughter and special friend, Joyce Thomas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda, his parents and his brother, Howard.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday (04-28-2025) at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home with visitation from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00A.M. at the funeral home. The burial will be in Berea Cemetery Mt. Auburn, IL.
Memorials can be made to St Jude's, Tunnel to Towers, or donor's choice.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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