obituaries

Gary Drainer

Dow |

Gary Jerome Drainer, 62, died at 6:10 p.m., Friday, February 7, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family after a short but brave battle with cancer.

He was born in Carrollton on Jan. 3, 1952, one of five children born to the late Linus and Mildred Josephine (Tonsor) Drainer.

Gary graduated  in 1970 from Jersey Community High School, where he participated on the Panther basketball team.  He enjoyed athletics, and was a well known member of the Jersey County Softball league for many years forming many lasting friendships.

A very loyal and dedicated employee of ConAgra in Alton, Gary retired on Sept. 1, 2013 as a Technician after 43 years of service.

He first married Linda Sue Fessler on June 30, 1973 in Jerseyville, and together they had three daughters and shared nearly 23 years before her death on March 8, 1996.  He then married Lisa (Brangenberg) Timmermeier on Feb. 4, 2006 and they have been blessed with the past eight years together.

Surviving are his wife, Lisa Drainer of Dow; his three daughters & sons in law, Amy & Todd Morgan of Shiloh, Rebecca Drainer of Jerseyville, and Lisa & Brian Vahle of Jerseyville; two step sons, Justin Timmermeier serving with the US Marine Corp. in Camp Pendleton, Ca., and Elijah Timmermeier of Dow; eight grandchildren, Derrick & Nicole Morgan, Courtney, Danielle, Elizabeth & Felecia Lambert, Kalyee and Landon Vahle; a sister, Betty Thomas of Glen Carbon; three brothers & sisters in law, Lawrence & Sue Drainer of Odessa, Tx., James Drainer, and his partner Bob Winters of St. Louis, Mo., and Mark & Vivian Drainer of Jerseyville; his mothers in law, Minerva Fessler and Alberta Brangenberg both of Jerseyville; his brother in law and sister in law, Mike & Bev Fessler of Dow.

In addition to his parents and his first wife, Linda, he was preceded in death by a step daughter, Amanda Timmermeier on Aug. 22, 2008; and his father in law, Donald Fessler.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. , Monday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Tuesday.  Father William Hembrow will officiate.

Burial will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Fieldon.

Memorials may be given to the St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools in Jerseyville.

Gary enjoyed and appreciated the simple pleasures in life, loving the outdoors and nature.  He liked sitting on the deck watching the sunrise and sunset, camp fires, horseback riding or just simply mowing the lawn.  Riding his horse down that special trail made his eyes twinkle and his heart happy and peaceful.  He was an inspiration to his family and friends, always willing to listen and enjoying conversation and a good laugh.  He was kind, honest, trustworthy, with a good heart and soul, always willing to help anyone in need.  A man to admire, trust and love, he will be sadly missed by all who loved him, but the memories of Gary and his love will always be cherished and live on forever.


Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home

Print Version

Join our mailing list Subscribe to our Daily Update
Contact
200 W. Third Street | Alton, IL 62002
Suite 200
618.465.9850
HOME  |   Advertise With Us  |   Job Opportunities  |   Our Partners  |   Web Design Services  |   Contact US  |   Site Map   |  RSS Feeds  |  Email   |  Privacy Policy