EDDIE J. GALLAHER

Mr. Eddie J. Gallaher, 85, of the Illinois Veterans Home, formerly of Payson, died at 2:00 p.m. Thursday (June 1, 2006) in Blessing Hospital.

Born June 6, 1920 in Richfield Township, Adams County, Illinois, Eddie was the son of Samuel and Luchy Schmalshof Gallaher

Eddie served his country in the U. S. Army during WW II and Korea. During WW II he served in the European-African and Middle Eastern campaigns receiving a Bronze Battle Star and three overseas service bars. He later served in the Army National Guard until his retirement as First Sergeant in 1980. He was a life member of the Payson V. F. W. Post 2061 and a member of the Quincy American Legion Post 37.

Eddie farmed with his brothers in the Payson area for many years.

Surviving is a sister, Mary Fischer and her husband Jonathan of Quincy; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Mr. Gallaher was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Charles S., John G., Kenneth Dale, Bill and Russell "Doc" Gallaher; and four sisters, Elva Whitaker, Mabel Mitts, Anna Bradley and Pauline Whan.

Cremation rites have been accorded to Mr. Gallaher. Memorial services will be held Monday morning at 10:30 in the Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home in Payson. Inurnment with Military Honors by Payson V. F. W. Post 2061 will be in the Payson New Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday morning from 9:30 until the time of services at the funeral home in Payson.

Memorials may be made to the Payson V. F. W. Post 2061 or the Payson New Cemetery Association.