George E. Whildin Jr.

Date of Birth

Mar 25,1928

Date of Death

Feb 27,2007

GEORGE E. WHILDIN Jr., Age 78 of Byron, IL, formerly of Sugar Grove, IL, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at his home. Like an insidious computer virus, Alzheimer’s had slowly erased George’s phenomenal memory and robbed him of his robust health. Yet, to the very end, his tenacious will remained. That "never-give-up" attitude, seasoned with humor and shared by his beloved wife, "Honey", helped George live through the long and winding road of his last years. Ironically, "long and winding roads" were a part of George’s life. Half farmer, half trucker, the story of his life is a journey from country fields and gravel roads to a labyrinth of interstate highways and by-ways. It all began March 25, 1928 when George was born to George E. Whildin Sr. and Wilma E. Millen at the family’s farm-home in Sugar Grove, IL. As a young man, George farmed with his dad until 1946 when he enlisted in the Navy. Stationed in Guam, he served his country until 1948 when he returned home to marry Evelyn L. Tatters on April 3, 1948. In the early years, they farmed in Sugar Grove and later, in Elburn and Burlington before moving to Maple Park where George began his trucking career. An integral part of his community, George was active in the Sugar Grove Fire Department and the Elburn, Maple Park and Sycamore American Legion Posts, through the years. Along the way, George began driving semi’s and eventually owned his own rig and drove over-the-road for several different companies. He truly loved trucking and, like the country farmer who knows everyone at the local coffee-shop, George could walk into truck stops across the country and in seconds, sit down among friends. In 1995 he and "Honey", moved to Byron, IL. Up a winding hillside road, near the river, the two of them created a haven that held many good times with the family. With his John Deere mower and Gator, George manicured the lawn and transported family and friends to and from the river-front. He was the un-disputed "King" of his domain and everyone knew that for every task, there was only one way to do it – "George’s way". Amazing stories and tall tales abound of the life and travels of George Whildin Jr. and he will be remembered fondly by local friends and his over-the-road family, for years to come. He is survived by his wife Evelyn "Honey" Whildin of Byron, ILtwo sons: George E. Whildin III of Rochelle, IL andMichael L. (Bonnie) Whildin of Hampshire, IL;two Daughters: Wendy S. (Donald) Collins of Hampshire, IL and Debra K. Holman of Cary, IL’9 Grandchildren: Jacob Whildin;Thad (Susan) Whildin and Shane Whildin;Amy Collins,Ronald (Keri) Collins andBecky Collins;Donald, Susan and Jamie Vermaat.9 Great grandchildren:Halley,Emerson,,Michael, Matthew,, Keenan,Taylor,Tristin,Trean andIsabel.He is preceded in death by his parents, one son Andrew A. Whildin, two brothers Charles and Thomas Whildin, one sister in infancy and one son-in-law, Robert A. Holman.VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be held Sunday, March 4, 2007 from 1pm to 5 pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. Funeral services will follow on Monday at 11am at the funeral home. The Rev. Paul Meyer, pastor of Cornerstone Methodist Church, Plato Center, IL will officiate and interment will conclude at Sugar Grove Cemetery. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in George’s name to benefit hospice and other favorite charities. Memorials checks may be made to the George E. Whildin Jr. Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through his obituary at www.conleycare.com. For information phone 800-8-CONLEY.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 4, 2007 from 1pm to 5 pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. Funeral services will follow on Monday at 11am at the funeral home. The Rev. Paul Meyer, pastor of Cornerstone Methodist Church, Plato Center, IL will officiate and interment will conclude at Sugar Grove Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in George’s name to benefit hospice and other favorite charities. Memorials checks may be made to the George E. Whildin Jr. Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through his obituary at www.conleycare.com. For information phone 800-8-CONLEY.

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