E. Eugene "Ike" Ashby

E. Eugene "Ike" Ashby, age 86, of Oquawka, Illinois; passed away at his residence on Friday October 22, 2010 at NOON. "Ike" was born on July 16, 1924 in Edina, Missouri and is the son of Delbert and Leta Bishop Ashby. He was raised and educated in Monmouth where he attended local schools. He was previously married to Harriett Myers in Kahoka, Missouri in 1942. He later married Mary A. McGee on January 21, 1978 in Oquawka, Illinois. Gene enlisted in the Air Force and served from 1942 to 1945 as a Corporal during World War II. After his service, and upon returning, Gene was employed twenty years as a lineman for Illinois Power Company in Monmouth, IL. He then worked ten years for Miller's Electrical Construction inn Vincennes, IN. "Ike" retired in 1986. Gene is a member of the J.W. Clendenin Post 2301 Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Oquawka Eagles Aerie # 4520. He enjoyed fishing and woodworking. Surviving him is his wife Mary Ashby of Oquawka, Illinois and three daughters; Terry Cole of Florissant, Missouri; Patti Becker (Mark) of Cameron, Illinois; and Julia Stogdill of Oquawka, Illinois. Two sons survive, Larry Ashby (Cindy) of Galesburg, Illinois and Bryan Ashby of Oquawka, Illinois. Gene has ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren surviving. His sister Betty (Don) Anderson of St.Charles, Missouri survives and his aunt Dorothy Pinson of Colchester, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and three brothers. Services:A grave side service with military honors will be on Wednesday October 27, 2010 at 10:30 am at the Oquawka Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be on Tuesday evening at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Interment will be in the Oquawka Cemetery. A memorial fund is being established for the Henderson County Relay for Life.