Alvin E. "Gene" Travelstead

Alvin E. “Gene” Travelstead, age 87 years, a resident of New Burnside, and a former resident of Creal Springs and Simpson, passed away Monday morning, May 19, 2014 at 2:20 AM at the Hillview Health Care Center in Vienna. Gene was born March 10, 1927 in Creal Springs, Illinois. He was the son of Walter Travelstead and Bessie (Sims) Travelstead. Gene was united in marriage to Edna Cole West on November 28, 1947 in Piggott, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on September 5, 2005. Survivors include: 2 Sons- Raymond (Sue) Travelstead of Sesser, IL & Alvin Travelstead of Colorado Springs, CO; 3 Daughters- Sue (Kenny) Goddard of Vienna, IL, Donna Travelstead of Creal Springs, IL, and Barbara (G.A.)Clymore of Jonesboro, IL; 13 Grandchildren- Theresa, Thomas, Phillip, Jerry, Lesley, Cathy, Billy, Brian, Ashley, John, Stephanie, Shane and Kim; 27 Great Grandchildren; 7 Great-Great Grandchildren; a Sister – Ruth Lawson of Marquette, MI; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives & many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Gene was preceded in death by: a daughter- Linda Ruth Smith; a Daughter-in-Law- Dorothy Travelstead; 2 Sons-in-Law – John Smith, Sr. and Greg Prineas; a Grandson – John Smith, Jr.; 4 Brothers- Kenneth “Jack”, Marvin, Wayne & Clarence Travelstead; 3 Sisters- Ferne Reed, Esther Carter and Lillie Mae Jack Gene was a World War II US Army Veteran, serving from 1945-1946. Gene was employed for approximately 5 years for Richardson, Inc. a plastics molding and manufacturing Company in Melrose Park, IL, where he worked as a foreman in the separator department. The family returned to Southern Illinois in 1955 and Gene went to work as an automotive body repairman. He worked for Hunky Boaz at Glendale from 1949-1950 then Farris Motor Company in Vienna from 1955-1980 and last worked for John De Chevrolet 1984-1989. Gene was a member of the Gurney Masonic Lodge #778 AF&AM and had served as lodge treasurer for several years. He was also a life member of the Creal Springs VFW Post #9763. Gene was of the Baptist faith and attended the New Burnside Baptist Church. In his spare time, Gene enjoyed fishing. Funeral Services will be held Sunday afternoon, May 25, 2014, at 2 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Burial will be in the Gilead Cemetery, near Simpson, IL. Military graveside rites will be accorded. Visitation will be from 5 PM – 8 PM Saturday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Masonic rites will be accorded at 8 PM. Memorial may be made to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 98, Vienna, IL 62995 , the Gilead Cemetery Fund, c/o Norman Lee, 690 Gum Springs Road, Simpson, IL 62985 or the New Burnside Baptist Church, PO Box 99, New Burnside, IL 62967.

Alvin E. "Gene" Travelstead

March 10, 1927 - May 19, 2014