Gerald L. Burwell

MATTOON - Gerald L. Burwell, age 72, of Lewistown, IL, passed away at 7:15 a.m., Saturday, September 4, 2010 at his home surrounded by his family. The funeral service in his honor will begin at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 8, 2010, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL, 61938. Reverend Jim Dona will officiate. Interment will be held at Dodge Grove Cemetery, Mattoon, IL. Visitation will be held on Tuesday September 7, 2010 from 5-7 p.m. Gerald was born July 25, 1938, in Mattoon, IL, the son of Harry Gerald and Caroline Corda (Fitzpatrick) Burwell. He married Madeline Hickey on October 13, 1962. She preceded him in death in 1993. Survivors include his children, Stephen Burwell and wife Shannon of Dawson, IL; Angela Schnelten and husband Joe of Roodhouse, IL; Gregory Burwell and wife Heidi of O'Fallon, MO. Survivors also include his 10 grandchildren, his 5 brothers, Harry Leon Burwell of Eureka, IL; Harold Eugene Burwell of Mattoon, IL; Ronnie Burwell of Mattoon, IL; James Burwell of Decatur, IL and John Burwell of Mattoon, IL. He is survived by one sister, Patsy Marie Parker of Sunnyland, IL. He is also survived by companion Judy Harshbarger of Lewistown, IL. He was preceded in death by his sister Pam Burwell and his parents. Gerald proudly served his country in the United States Army. He retired from Caterpillar in 1999 after working there for 35 years. He was also a previous trustee of Isabel Township. He enjoyed Genealogy, Gardening, and collecting various things. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com to view the memorial tribute, light a virtual candle in his honor, or share a memory with his family.