Gary D. Eastwood

Gary Dallis Eastwood, 75, of Marion, passed away Monday, November 26, 2018, at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 30, 2018, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastor Michael Williams officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion, with military rites by Marion V.F.W. Hyde Pillow Post 1301 and the Navy Honors Ritual Team. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, November 29, 2018, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Gary was born October 11, 1943, in Cypress, Illinois, to Dallas "Deacon" and Opal (Tate) Eastwood. Gary met Barbara at the old Marion Holiday Inn on November 26, 1978, where they shared a love of dance. He married Barbara Ervin on June 8, 1985, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Eastwood of Marion; mother, Opal Eastwood of Marion; daughter, Lisa (Kevin) Smith of Marion; grandchildren, Orion (Laci) Smith of Monticello and Cayenne Smith (fiancé, Bob Tanner) of Marion; sister, Vicki Eastwood of Cypress; brother, Steve Eastwood of Carterville; niece and nephew, Stephanie Eastwood of Columbus, Ohio and Nick Eastwood of Marion; and great-niece, Brayden Eastwood.

Gary was preceded in death by his father and sister-in-law, Debbie Eastwood.

He honorably served our country in the U.S. Navy from 1962-1966 aboard the USS Gainard.  

Gary owned Eastwood's Art and Teacher Supply in Marion for 17 years. He had previously worked as a welder for Boyd Brothers in Sesser.

His passion was art, particularly oil painting. His oil paintings were highly sought after, and people would drive from all over to purchase his artwork.

Gary enjoyed golfing and teaching his grandchildren how to play.

Family was very important to Gary. He was selected by the Southern Illinoisan in 2007 as Father of the Year.

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