GEORGE L. GILKER

Mr. George L. Gilker, 77, of 704 South 6th, died at 6:47 p.m. Wednesday (February 22, 2006) in Blessing Hospital.

Born February 20, 1929 in Kellerville, George was the son of Henry and Hazel Keller Gilker Sr. He married Dorothy Howell on December 2, 1955 in Quincy. She survives.

Mr. Gilker served his country in the U. S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of Labor Local 919. George was an avid fisherman and enjoyed working outdoors in his yard, but loved spending time with his family and friends.

Mr. Gilker worked as a laborer for Labor Local 919 for many years until his retirement.

Survivors include two sons, Bruce Gilker and his wife Joann and Earl Gilker both of Quincy; two daughters, Shirley Clark and her husband Steve and Deborah Austin and her husband Dale both of Quincy; 12 grandchildren, Steven Clark Jr., Michael Austin and his wife Christie, Misty Williams and her husband Trevor, Dale Austin II, Amber Austin, Jessie Harrison and her husband Timothy, Bruce Gilker Jr. , Anthony Gilker, Dana Caley and her husband Andy, Jennifer Gilker, Earl Gilker Jr. and Hank Gilker; 10 great grandchildren; a brother, James Gilker of Quincy; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Gilker was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Dana Austin; a granddaughter, Missy Austin; a sister, Dorothy Ballinger; three brothers, Bill Gilker, Henry Gilker Jr. and Robert Gilker; and a half sister, Wodena Bourn.

Cremation rites have been accorded to Mr. Gilker. Memorial services will be held Saturday morning at 10:30 in the Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home by the Rev. Harold Bender.

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

Memorials may be made to Sunset Home.