Eddie Gillard served in the Korean War and in the Vietnam War flying 75 combat missions as a Forward Air Controller.
He made 5 Single Engine F-100 fighter aircraft Atlantic crossings, and performed Nuclear Alert in Germany and Italy for 32 months.
He received three Air Medals, two Commendations Medals, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
Eddie retired 1 Sept 1972, and enjoyed life on his farm with his family, serving on the school board, he was elected road commissioner, and was a member of the Mt. Erie Methodist Church. He was a life member of the West Salem Masonic Lodge, Air Force Association, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, and the VFW.
Eddie J. Gillard, LtCol USAF, Ret., Headed West” on April 12, 2017.
Eddie Gillard, age 86 of Mt. Erie, Illinois, passed away April 12, 2017 at 8:10 a.m. at Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney, Illinois.
He was born at Mt. Erie on 16 Oct 1930, the son of Alva Edward and Clara (Garrett) Gillard. He married Shelby Ann Shannon on 9 Nov 1958. They had four children: Bruce Wayne (Denise) Gillard on 10 Dec 1959, Steven Lee (Maretta) Gillard on 11 Jan 1961, Peggy Sue (Bradley) Garrison on 10 Feb 1963, and Alan Edward (Christine) Gillard on 10 May 1965.
He served during the Korean War and in the Vietnam War flying 75 combat missions as a Forward Air Controller. He made 5 Single Engine F-100 fighter aircraft Atlantic crossings, and performed Nuclear Alert in Germany and Italy for 32 months. He received three Air Medals, two Commendations Medals, and the Presidential Unit Citation. He retired 1 Sept 1972, and enjoyed life on his farm with his family, serving on the school board, he was elected road commissioner, and was a member of the Mt. Erie Methodist Church. He was a life member of the West Salem Masonic Lodge, Air Force Association, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, and the VFW.
He is survived by his wife Shelby and their children; seven grandchildren: Jennifer Gillard (Dustin Lee), Rachelle (Nick) Zdan, James Gillard, Tiye Garrison, Cheyanne Garrison, Tanner Garrison, and Augustus Gillard; one great-grandson, Gavin Lee, and one step great-granddaughter, Odessa Staley. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Elsie Troyer, Girdna Mewes, and LaVera Moore; and three brothers, John Gillard, Billie Gillard, and Warren (Gene) Gillard.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday April 18, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Ingram Funeral Home in West Salem. Funeral Service will begin at 11 a.m. with a Masonic Service, followed by a Time of Sharing by Pastor Mike Buckman. Burial to follow at Travers Cemetery, rural Mt. Erie, with Military Rites.
Source: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/west-salem-il/eddie-gillard-7368023
