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Garland Lacey Obituary
Garland H. Lacey
Sept. 12, 1931 - Nov. 20, 2021
BLOOMINGTON - Garland H. Lacey passed away on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at the age of 90, in Bloomington, IL.
Garland Howard Lacey was born in 1931, in the home of his parents on a farm in Oskaloosa, IL, the fifth and last child of Joseph Paul Lacey and Lula Ethel Henderson. He graduated from North Clay Community High School in Louisville, IL. He completed five semesters at the University of Illinois before joining the United States Army. He completed his tour of duty in the United States Army serving in the 216th Atomic Gun Battalion at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma and the 503rd Engineers in Stuttgart, Germany, before returning to the University of Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science and Mathematics and taught for one year at Van Nuys High School in California. He returned to complete his Master's Degree in Biological Science and Mathematics the following year.
Garland married Shirley Mae West in 1959, at Third Presbyterian Church in Springfield, IL, and taught at Lanphier High School. In 1960, he started in Data Processing at Franklin Life Insurance, and the following year he worked at McDonnell Aircraft Corp in St. Louis. In 1965, he took a position in computer programming at Caterpillar in East Peoria, IL, and, after more than 30 years, he retired in 1996. After retirement, he lived in Springfield, IL, for several years before calling Bloomington, IL, home.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; children: Chris (Jill) Lacey, Karen Preston, Jean (Tony) Wilson, Scott (Elizabeth) Lacey; and nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, two sisters, and one granddaughter.
Burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL, on Friday, December 3, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with full military honors. A Celebration of Life service will be held at East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington, IL, on Saturday, December 4, 2021 with a gathering at 10:30 a.m. and service to begin at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made on his behalf to a charity of your choice.
Memories and Condolences
for Garland Lacey
Sponsored by East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.
Gerry Kawohl
November 15, 2023
My dearest Unk - you were the best uncle ever! Miss you so much. Love you. Gerry - or as you lovingly called me, Diddy
HELENA Lampi Feinberg
November 28, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. As a friend from the past, I remember your name. We belonged to IEA Retired.
Joe and Karin Jarmusz
November 26, 2021
We were so sorry to hear of Unk's passing. Uncle Garland stayed with us for a while but I was so young I can't remember the years. I DO REMEMBER Uncle Garland teasing me and making me laugh. I CAN still "see" his Army Hat that he would put on my head AND ESPECIALLY how he use to tease me with his shaving cream! I'm SO GRATEFUL for the hundreds and hundreds of hours Unk spent on researching and publishing the Lacey Family History. IT IS "TOP SHELF"! Aunt Shirley and the ENTIRE FAMILY our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to each of you during this time of sadness. I was able to find a picture of Unk and Mom (Sister Serena) that we posted here. I'd like to close with the thought that Unk and Mom are standing together right now in a place with no pain or sorrow. Rest in Peace Unk!
Gerry & Ernie Kawohl
November 26, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of Uncle Garland's passing. He was a great man, loving, caring Uncle - the best ever!!! Thank you, Uncle Garland for all the time & effort you put into the Lacey Family tree - it will be a legacy that will live on forever.
You were always there for our family especially when mom (Serena) passed away. Aunt Shirley and family - you will all be in our thoughts & prayers during this sad time. Rest in peace, Uncle Garland. Well done thou good & faithful servant. I love you, Unk. Diddy
Robert Neuman
November 25, 2021
He was the best Uncle in the world! I do not know the full impact he had on me as a young child when my parents were going through a divorce. God Bless you.
Lori Lovrich
November 25, 2021
I will always remember your warm smile! How you researched and put together a historical book on the genealogy of our family! Most of all the love that you gave to others! You will be forever and dearly missed! RIP Uncle Garland!
Love,
Lori Lovrich
Gerry Kawohl
November 25, 2021
Thankful this Thanksgiving & remembering my dear Uncle Garland. Rest In Peace, Unk. Love you, Diddy
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Memorial Events
for Garland Lacey
Dec
4
Memorial Gathering
10:30 a.m.
East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens1102 Airport Road, Bloomington, IL 61704
Dec
4
Funeral services provided by:
East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens1102 Airport Road, Bloomington, IL 61704
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