Harvey Ray Tunnell, age 90, of Marion, IL passed away at 10:48 p.m., on Monday, March 1, 2010, in the Veterans Affairs Nursing Care Center of Marion, IL.
He was born on February 4, 1920, in Milan, MO the son of James and Alma (Finchum) Tunnell.
Harvey answered the call of this nation by serving in the United States Army, during the time of WW II, being stationed in Germany, France and Central Europe. After his period of faithful service he was honorably discharged.
Earlier in his lifetime he lived in the Aurora, IL area for many years and the majority of his working career was as an exterminator, working for the Orkin and Anderson Exterminating Companies of the Aurora area.
He was united in marriage to Eva Irene Harp, on May 2, 1975, in Aurora, IL and together they have shared the last thirty five years of marriage. After his marriage and retirement he and Eva moved to Marion in 1978.
In his spare time he enjoyed traveling in his motor home with Eva all over the country. He also enjoyed fishing and having his friends over to the house and playing bluegrass music.
His church was a very important part of his life. He was a member of the Park Avenue Church of God in Herrin, IL and until his health declined he was actively involved in many activities of the church.
He always took interest in the many activities of his family, especially his grandchildren, and enjoyed the many times they spent together. Now those who are left behind will always cherish the many memories that have been created.
He is survived by his wife, Eva I. Tunnell of Marion, IL; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Betty and Chris Buys of Dyersburg, TN and Wanda and Bill Collins of Harlan, KY; two sons and two daughters-in-law, Jim and Sue Lewis and Gene and Suzie Lewis all of Marion, IL; fifteen grandchildren, Shawn Stewart and his wife, Amanda, Malissa Stewart, Tabatha Shelby and her husband, Danny Jr., William Olen Collins and his wife, Donna, Allan Lewis Jr., Tony Lewis and his wife, Melissa, Brandy Lewis, LeAnna Shouts, James Lewis Jr., Jennifer Kringle and her husband, Steve, Mark Lewis, Sarah Moore and her husband, Michael, Jesse Lopez. Shane Lopez and Matt Hannon, twenty one great grandchildren, other extended family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Alice Marie Lewis, one grandson, two granddaughters, one great grandson; brother, Earl Tunnell and his sister, Amber Abrams.
Arrangements for Harvey Ray Tunnell were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL.
A time of visitation for family and friends was from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 4th, at the funeral home.
During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of Harvey’s life was presented to the family and friends.
The funeral service was at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 5, 2010, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Pastor Ken Tiffin presiding. Comments of memory and prayer were presented by Rev. Clarence Otterson.
The prelude and postlude musical selections were recorded piano selections.
Special recorded vocal selections presented during the service were “Amazing Grace” by Cristy Lane, “In the Garden” by Randy Travis and “How Great Thou Art” by Alan Jackson.
Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion, IL.
Pallbearers were Glen Lewis, Jay Shelby, Braxton Block, Aaron Collins, William O. Collins and Shawn Stewart.
Military honors were accorded at the graveside by members of the V.F.W. Heyde-Pillow Post No. 1301, American Legion Post No. 147 and the Illinois National Guard all of Marion, IL. Those participating were Commander, Roger Hines; Chaplain, Dan Fruge; Bugler, David Brown; Officer of the Day, Pat Campbell; Color Guard, Jessie James and Bill Reynolds; National Colors, Chuck Knapp; VFW Post Colors, Calvin James; Firing Squad, Don Burgrabe, Bill Deaton, Glen Taylor, Dale “Squeek” Wilson, Ronald Ganzer, Brian Samuel and Dale Heltsley.
The Illinois National Guard Flag Detail members who participated in the folding of the flag were SGT David Kemner and PFC Samantha Mocaby. The presentation of the flag to Mr. Tunnell’s wife, Eva, was by SGT David Kemner.
After the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at Park Avenue Church of God in Herrin, for a meal and continued time of fellowship.
For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.
