DU QUOIN -- Gene F. Gallmeister, 91, of Du Quoin, passed away at 11:22 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 at his home.
He was born April 17, 1928, in Du Quoin, the son of Wilhelm Carl and Marie Anna (Mucha) Gallmeister.
Gene married Dorothy J. Sawyer on June 29, 1948, at the First Baptist Church in Du Quoin, and they were together for 66 years until her death on Jan. 8, 2015.
Gene is survived by his two daughters, Jean Ellen (Mark) Bullock of Du Quoin and Debbie (Randy) DeMent of Du Quoin; one sister, Mary (David) Norton of Du Quoin; four grandchildren, Blake Bullock (fiancé, Ashley) of Alexandria, Virginia, Tyler (Jami) Bullock of Du Quoin, Jacob (wife Alex) DeMent of Lexington, KY, and Deann DeMent of Du Quoin; four great-grandchildren, Ana and Lilly Bullock, Sawyer Morgenstern and Charlotte DeMent.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Dorothy, and one brother, William A. Gallmeister.
Gene was a member of the St. John's United Church of Christ in Du Quoin.
Gene served in the United States Army from January 1952 until his honorable discharge in January 1954. He served during the Korean Conflict. He was a corporal in the Army Signal Corp stationed at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. His duties were stateside as a teletype instructor.
After his discharge, Gene returned to work at the Du Quoin Evening Call where he worked as production manager and photographer. He worked at the Evening Call for 70 years.
Gene was also a member of the Du Quoin Masonic Lodge 234 and Knights Templar. He was instrumental in designing the decanters that were sold and helped fund the construction of the current Masonic Lodge.
He was also involved in the creation and erecting of the Masonic emblem that stands in front of the Masonic Lodge.
Gene and his wife, Dorothy, ran Gallmeister Photography for many years, and had the privilege of photographing many local weddings.
Gene's talents as an artist and photographer were seen through his photography at many of the Du Quoin State Fairs. Gene was also known for his talents as a wood carver, which later in life turned to designing and creating intricate duck calls. His artistry was admired throughout the region.
Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin, with the Rev. Joe Wagner officiating.
Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin VFW, American Legion and U.S. Army National Guard.
Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to the Du Quoin Masonic Lodge 234, which will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.
