Berl Williams, Jr.

Berl Eugene Williams, Jr.

“Gene”

Age 85 of Wilmington, and formerly of DuQuoin and Joliet, passed away Thursday evening, May 4, 2017 at Toulon Rehabiliation Center.

Born May 3, 1932 in Oak Park, Illinois, Berl Eugene was a son of the late Berl Eugene, Sr. and Vivian (Romo) Williams. He was raised and educated in DuQuoin; was a 1950 graduate of DuQuoin High School, and went on to honorably serve in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. Gene worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers for over 30 years until retiring in 1988. During those years, he held positions in the Joliet and Peoria offices, and later the Brandon Road Lock and Dam. Following his retirement, Gene belonged to the Wilmington American Legion, and will be remembered for his love of hunting, fishing, gardening, home and family.

Survivors include his five children: Diane (Jay) Moreno of Peoria, Patty Paulsen of Wilmington, Lori (Terry) Lake of Streator, Kim (Dale) Benson of Tomball, Texas and Tori (Jeff) Schaffer of Kingwood, Texas; nine grandchildren: Steve and Carrie Brownlee, Haley Paulsen, Austin, Travis, Lucas and Sara Benson, and Aiden and Samuel Schaffer; one great-grandson: Leo Gene Reed; two brothers: Gary Williams of DuQuoin and Wayne (Janet) Williams of Alton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; wife Angie in 1969; second wife Sharon in 1997; two grandchildren: Emily Paulsen and Shawn Benson, and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Per Gene’s wishes, green flameless cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until time of memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Inurnment will follow in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Gene’s memory to a Veteran’s organization of the donor’s choosing.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Gene’s memorial page on social media, by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Green flameless cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)