Eugene R. Heller

METAMORA - Eugene R. Heller, 88, of Metamora passed away at 2:45 p.m. Monday May 16, 2011, at Proctor Hospital. He was born Dec 8, 1922, in Owensville, Mo, the son of John and Rose Heller. He married Alma M. Welten on June 20, 1942 in Steeleville, IL. Surviving are his four children, Donna (Mike) Thacker of Walnut, IL., Jerry (Rhonda) Heller of Metamora, Marceline Lewis of New Lenox, IL., and John (Annette) of East Peoria. He is further survived by seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one brother, Charles Heller of Murphysboro, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife, one brother and one grandson. In southern Illinois, he worked as a butcher and a coal miner before starting work for Caterpillar in Decatur in 1955. He retired from the Decatur plant in 1981 as a first line manager having worked almost exclusively on motor graders. He was a member of the Old Stonington Baptist Church in Stonington, Ill, and also attended the Christian Union Church in Metamora. He was a member of the Blue Mound Masonic Lodge # 682. He was a Masonic member for 60 years. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed shooting trap and hunting. He worked hard and he played hard. Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial service is scheduled at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at Christian Union Church in Metamora, with his grandson, Jeremy Heller, officiating. There will be no visitation. Burial of his cremated remains will be at a later date in Old Stonington Cemetery in Stonington, IL. The family has requested no flowers. Memorials may be given in his name to Snyder Village in Metamora, IL. To send online condolences, please visit www.peoriafuneral.com. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at http://legacy.com/obituaries/herald-review/