Leo Henry Gimber, Jr's Obituary
Leo Henry Gimber, Jr age 80, of Coulterville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 6:45 p.m. in Sparta Community Hospital, Sparta, IL. Leo was born on November 21, 1930 at his family homestead at five points in Coulterville, IL, a son to Leo Sr. "Pete" and Cleda (Porter) Gimber. On July 9, 1949, he married Patsy Colleen Kenney in the Manse of the First United Grandcote Presbyterian Church, Coulterville, IL He worked for Zeigler Coal Company, retiring after 20 years and also worked for Cerro Copper and Brass, East St. Louis, IL for 15 years. Leo was a member of the Grandcote Reformed Presbyterian Church, Coulterville, IL, and U.M.W.A. Local 9905. He was a talented woodcarver and artist. Leo was an avid sportsman and a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed playing baseball and golf until his injury in the coal mine. Leo loved to hunt and fish and took pride in sharing the garden he planted each year. Leo was a devoted father and husband and dearly loved his family, especially his wife of 62 years, who never waivered in her devotion to care for him as his health and ability to walk deteriorated. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Leo is survived by his wife; three children, Patti Rae (John) Lyoch of Coulterville, IL, Leo Robert (Kathy) Gimber of Coulterville, IL, and Rebecca Sue Caraker of Coulterville, IL; seven grandchildren, Belle "Gina" (Kelly) Hamm, Michael Ryan Coulson, Kaylyn Dawn Gimber, Kourtney Elizabeth Gimber, Elizabeth Lee Caraker, Nicole Marie Heape, and Natasha Noel Ford; seven great grandchildren, Grace, Michael Ryan, Jr., Luke, Braden, Joshua, Lauren, and Faith; one brother, Don (Betty) Gimber; and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jack Gimber; two sisters, Darla Sue Gimber and Rosalie Powers; three nephews, Lynnie Powers, John Gimber, and David Gimber; and one niece, Betsey Gimber.
Funeral services will be held at the Grandcote Reformed Presbyterian Church, Coulterville, IL on Monday, September 26, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in Coulterville City Cemetery, Coulterville, IL. Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home, Coulterville, IL on Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to Grandcote Reformed Presbyterian Church, Coulterville, IL or Hospice of Southern Illinois.
What’s your fondest memory of Leo?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leo?
Share a story where Leo's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leo you’ll never forget.
How did Leo make you smile?