Southern Illinois Healthcare spokeswoman Rosslind Rice confirmed Friday that a man who shot himself at the Marion Veterans Affairs Medical Center died Thursday night at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Jackson County coroner Dr. Thomas Kupferer identified the man as Billy Gene Stroud, 37, of Benton.

Mr. Stroud’s obituary was published in Saturday’s edition of The Benton Evening News.
His wishes were to be cremated. Graveside services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner, officiated by the Rev. Donnie Coulson. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements. Memorials can be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Stroud apparently shot himself on the hospital grounds Thursday afternoon.

He was treated in the VA’s emergency room and then was taken to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, where he was treated.

The Marion VA has been suspended from performing complex surgeries, which led to Stroud’s transfer to Carbondale.