Bertis "Festus" McBride

Bertis “Festus” McBride, 93, a resident of Vienna, Illinois, passed away Saturday afternoon, February 22, 2014, at 3:53 PM at the Metropolis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Bert was born March 21, 1920 in the Samoth community in Massac County Illinois. He was the son of Bertis E. & Mary Ethel (Burnham) McBride. Bert was united in marriage to Carrie I. (Jackson) on January 19, 1944 at the Vienna First United Methodist parsonage. Together, Bert and Carrie enjoyed over 70 years of marriage. In addition to his wife Carrie, Bert is survived by: his children – Vera L. Bedwell of Goreville, IL, Betty J. Wilson of Carterville, IL, Garry L. (Mollie) McBride of Crossville, TN, and Roger McBride of Wakefield, KS; 5 grandchildren – Jason L. McBride, Laurie Turner, Desiree Arnold, Amanda K. Wood, and Charles S. Wood; 7 great grandchildren – Dustin T. Turner, Nathan Turner, Joshua McBride, Parker Ryan Wood, Zachary Turner, Kristen McBride, and Cydnee Wood; a sister-in-law – Mary McBride of Simpson, IL; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, Bert was preceded in death by his brothers, Elmer, Henry, and Walter McBride. Bert was a U.S. Army World War II veteran. Bert was employed by the Cates-McCorkle Grocery in Vienna from 1953-1955. He then worked as a storekeeper at the Choate Mental Health Center in Anna until his retirement in 1982. Never one to be idle, Bert soon accepted a position with Whitnel Funeral Homes, where he was employed as an assistant until 1997. Bert continued his working career as an assistant at Bailey Funeral Home as well as working on the maintenance department through a senior’s program with the U.S. Forest Service. Bert loved the outdoors and was an avid gardener and enjoyed fishing. He never met a stranger and his hands were always at the ready to all who needed help. Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning, February 26, 2014, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Dr. Ed Hollis and Rev. David Faulkner will officiate. Burial will be in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, February 25, 2014, from 5 PM to 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Fund, PO Box 98 Vienna, IL 62995.

Bertis "Festus" McBride

March 21, 1920 - February 22, 2014