Eugene A. Velchek's Obituary
Decatur – Eugene “Gene” A. Velchek, 80, of Decatur, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
Gene was born on April 16, 1944, in Gary, IN to Andrew E. Sr. and Alice (Phillips) Velchek. A devout member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and the Darrell W. Beck Knights of Columbus Council, Gene had an incredibly diverse working career. After graduating from Millikin University, he worked as a deputy for the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, going on to train at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, earning a FBI Sharpshooter Certificate. From there, he went on to work at Firestone as the Plant Protection Manager. While working at Firestone, Gene also served as the Chief of Police of Clinton, Illinois. He went on to work for the Decatur Foundry, and then as the plant manager for Ss. James and Patrick Parish.
Gene married the love of his life, Dina Jean Damery, on January 20, 1996, in Kentucky. Most of their marriage was spent watching their children and grandchildren play sports. They shared a beautiful twenty-eight year marriage full of fun, laughter, and most importantly, love.
Survived by his wife, Dina of Decatur; Children: Stephanie (Mike) McCaslin of Arkansas, Caprice (Tim) Turano of Maryland, Jonathan (Megan) Velchek of Mahomet, Daniel (Angel) Noland of Macon, Darcy (Scott) Nestler of Effingham, Madison (McKenna) Velchek of Indiana, MaKenzee and Martin Velchek of Decatur; His beloved dog and K9 companion, Charley; 14 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Alice, son Todd, and siblings: Mary Lou, Elizabeth, David, Andrew, William, and Richard.
Gene loved God, his family, his friends, the family dog, and Neil Diamond, more than anything. Gene was a die-hard Notre Dame fan, constantly sporting their apparel. His love for sports started as a young child, playing baseball and football in Gary, Indiana. He moved to Decatur, Illinois to play for Millikin University. During his time there, he earned a degree in Criminal Justice and Education. While working at the Sheriff’s Department, Gene also taught at Richland Community College, eventually starting its Criminal Justice Program. Gene loved to spend time with the family dog, Charley. The two were always together, never separated, spending each and every moment together. From laying in a recliner watching television to sleeping together during storms, Charley and Gene were best buddies.
The visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, August 12, 2024, at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held before the visitation at 4:30 p.m. Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Burial will follow in South Macon Township Cemetery, Macon, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or Ss. James and Patrick Parish.
A special thanks goes out to Fr. John Burnette for his long-time, faith-filled friendship. The family would also like to thank the medical team that accompanied Gene through the years; Dr. Manohar Kola, Dr. Muhammad Khan, Dr. Robert Blackwell, Dr. James Wade III, Dr. Muhammad Qureshi, Dr. Yifei Sun, the nurses and staff of the DMH Outpatient Care Center and Central Illinois Cancer Care Center, and the nurses of the fourth floor inpatient and intensive care unit at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Moran & Goebel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Eugene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eugene?
Share a story where Eugene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eugene you’ll never forget.
How did Eugene make you smile?
