Gary L. Hironimus Sr.'s Obituary
Gary L. Hironimus Sr. of Blandinsville, Ill., formerly of Decatur and Mount Zion, Ill., passed away peacefully with his wife and two children by his side, Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, at 9 a.m. at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Ill.
Gary was born on Jan. 23, 1950, in Waukegan, Ill., and was the proud grandson of Harry Hironimus and Genevieve Behning. He came to Decatur, Ill., in 1966, and married Linda Taylor in 1971. The two remained married for the next 48 years, raising their two children who he loved unconditionally: daughter, Deanna J. Hironimus-Wendt (Robert) and son, Gary L. Hironimus Jr. (Jenell). He also held his eight grandchildren dear to his heart: Jake McCormick; Chloe Waters; Sam, Will and Ben Hironimus-Wendt; Cameron, Kayla and Elden Hironimus.
He was loved as a steadfast and vital member of the Taylor family by his mother-in-law, Marian (Conder) Taylor; sister-in-law, Jan Hale (Delano); brothers-in-law, Douglas Taylor (Jeanette) and David Taylor (Sherri); nieces Kelly Hale, Karen Reynolds and Rachel Taylor; and nephews Kevin Taylor and Matthew Taylor; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
He retired from Wagner Castings after spending 25 years on the malleable mold line and another 10 years on the ductile grinding line. In his off time, he would occasionally work at the former Auto Parts Unlimited to help and be with some of the friends he held closest.
He was known for his wisdom, kindness, loyalty, generosity, humble nature and great appreciation for other people. He had a passion for vintage and classic muscle cars, drag racing, stock car racing and his pets: Watson, Benjy and Saba. He was an exceptional self-taught mechanic and rebuilt dozens of classic muscle cars with the help of his son and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Harry Hironimus, who he respected, loved and cherished as if he were his own father; his aunt, Marjorie Locke; and father-in-law, Robert Taylor.
Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Moran and Goebel Funeral Home. Family will meet with friends on hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Memorials: Gift of Hope.
Condolences may be left to Gary’s family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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