George W. Allison, age 85, of Mattoon, IL passed away Friday October 25, 2013 at Odd-Fellow Rebekah Home in Mattoon, IL. Funeral services at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home with Reverend John Helgeson officiating. Interment in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Mattoon, IL. Military honors conducted by Mattoon VFW Post 4325.

George was born on December 8, 1927 in Flat Rock, IL, the son of William Weger Allison and Garnette McKeown. He married Anna Rose Draper on September 7, 1951 in Flat Rock, IL.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Rose of Mattoon, IL; his daughters Ann Williams and husband Ted of Savoy, IL and Janice Kay Allison of Booneville, IN. Two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers Dr. James Weger Allison of Charlotte, NC and Ret. Lt. Col. John McKeown Allison of Flower Mound, TX.

George was preceded in death by one son, Wayne George Allison, killed in 1988 in an airplane crash and one brother Dr. Robert Henry Allison as well as his parents. Mr. Allison was a retired teacher.

Mr. Allison started his teaching career in Olney after taking over the vacant position of Chemistry teacher that was left by Mr. Warren Specht. He taught classes in chemistry and math. He taught chemistry for 36 years with 26 years at Oak Park River Forest High School in Oak Park, IL. He was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University. He received his master's degree from the University of Illinois and a second master's degree from the School of Mines and Metallurgy of Rolla, MO.

He proudly served his country as a paratrooper in the United States Army. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mattoon, IEA, NEA, American Legion, Masonic Lodge #260, High Twelve, Scottish Rite, Medinah and the Mattoon Golf & Country Club.