Eugene Seiler, 91, of Owaneco, IL, died Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

He was born January 10, 1924 in Dundas, IL (Richland County) the son of Howard Louis and Mary Holtz Seiler. He attended rural grade school for 8 years and graduated from Olney Township High School. When he was 18 he went to work for the Illinois Central Railroad drilling and servicing water wells that served the steam engines. He was a Naval CB for three years during World War II. Two and a half years were spent in the Pacific Theater on many islands from New Caledoneo to Okinawa. After his discharge from the military he returned to the railroad.

He met Rosie Lucille Ayers while on leave and they were married on June 22, 1947 in Mt. Pulaski, IL. Lucille preceded him in death on March 11, 2011. Gene has lived in Christian County for 65 years. During that time he was a farmer and worked in the seed and fertilizer industry. He and Lucille were long time members of Buckeye United Methodist Church, 4-H Club leaders for 35 years, M.Y.F. Counselors for 10 years and they also taught Sunday School at Buckeye United Methodist Church. He was a 50 year member of Locust Lodge #623 A.F. & A.M., Rosiland Chapter 736 Order of Eastern Star, Springfield Consistory and was a member of Christian County Farm Bureau. He was also a life member of V.F.W. Post 4495 and a member of American Legion Post 73.

Surviving are his sons: Ron Seiler and wife Myrna of Owaneco,IL, Garyl Seiler of Laurel, MD and Chris Seiler of Pana, IL. daughter, Rosella Wise of Owaneco, IL. Nine grandchildren: Steve Seiler, Dave Seiler, Rachel Moore, Jackie Seiler, Lori Moore, Brad Seiler, Elizabeth Jordan, Brandon Wise and Lucas Wise; 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter: Gina Lou, one grandson and brother, Verle Seiler.

Funeral Services at Buckeye United Methodist Church with Rev. Betty Coffey officiating. Burial with military honors at Buckeye Cemetery.

Published in Breeze-Courier, The Taylorville, IL) - Thursday, April 9, 2015