Guy Olmstead's Obituary
Decatur-Guy T. Olmstead of Decatur, Illinois died Sunday, July 3rd, 2011 at Decatur Memorial Hospital with his family at his side. Cremation rights will be conducted by Graceland Fairlawn Funeral home. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for the immediate family.
Guy was born Feb. 6, 1918 in Mattoon, Illinois, the son of Willis T. and Mary C. (Debholdt) Olmstead. He married Mary (Jean) Delaney on Feb. 3, 1947 in Decatur and she preceded him in death on Sept. 12, 1975. He married Mary Durchholz on March 6, 1976 and she survives.
He leaves son Gary Olmstead and wife Darlene of Forsyth, daughter Sarah (Sally) McCoskey and husband William of Decatur, son Michael Olmstead and wife Mary of Forsyth. Step children Vicky Knox and husband Gary of Decatur, Kevin Durchholz and wife Joanie of Decatur. Grandchildren Geoffrey Olmstead, Jeannie Olmstead, Amy McCoskey, Billy McCoskey, Kenny McCoskey, Geri Anne (Olmstead) Melchiorre, and Jamie Olmstead. Step grandchildren TJ Knox, Jennifer Durchholz, Julie (Durchholz) Brilley. He also leaves 6 great grandchildren and 1 step great grandchild. He was preceded in death by wife Mary (Jean), three brothers and both parents.
Guy was a proud graduate of St. Teresa High School and attended Millikin University. He served an apprenticeship with Kane Engraving and later co-owned and operated Maco Engraving. He was in business in Decatur for over 40 years. Guy was a member of St. James Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Guy was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and especially loved sailing. He sailed on Lake Decatur and Lake Shelbyville throughout his life on a variety of boats, including a few he built himself. He was a life member of the Commodore Decatur Yacht Club. In addition, Guy had many hobbies, but especially decoy carving. He gave many beautiful decoys to family and friends over the years. Guy was also a regular at many coffee hangouts and truly enjoyed getting to know new friends. He will be sadly missed by all that knew and loved such a unique and wonderful person.
Per Guy's request cremation rites will be accorded. A ceremonial gathering to celebrate Guy's life will be held privately by his loving family.
The Olmstead family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of DMH Hospice for all of their special care given and shown to Guy and his family.
The family of Guy T. Olmstead has entrusted the care of their loved one to Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. View the on line obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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