Bernard Stewart Gilliland

Bernard S. Gilliland, 87, of Aledo, died Monday, October 21, 2002 at the Mercer County Hospital. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church, Aledo. Visitation is Tuesday from 4 to 8 PM at Trimble Funeral Home, Aledo with Masonic Services at 7:00 PM. Burial, with Military Honors, will be in Aledo Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church, Aledo or the Shriners Childrens Hospital. Bernard was born on June 18, 1915 in Kilbourn, Wisconsin, the son of Glenn S. and Ethel A. (Brown) Gilliland. He married Ola Eileen Rutledge on April 9, 1950 in Cerro Gordo, Illinois. She preceded him in death on May 14, 1988. He married Virginia Wyatt Puyear on August 3, 1991 in Wyanet, Illinois. Bernard retired in 1976 after working for the United States Postal Service for 40 years. He was the Aledo Postmaster for 6 years and Assistant Postmaster for 11 years. Prior to that he was office manager for the former Harney-Morgan I.H. Dealership and employed by the former Cagle Clothing Store and Ron's Clothing of Aledo. Bernard was a World War II Army Air Force veteran. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant of the 77th Tactical P38 Lightning Recon - Fighter Group with campaigns in Burma, Guam, India and North Africa. Bernard was a member of the United Methodist Church, Aledo and was a past Chairman of the Administrative Board and former lay leader of the church. Bernard was a member of the following organizations: past master and member of the Aledo Masonic Lodge #252, A.F. & A. M.; Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Moline; Mohammed Shrine Temple, Peoria; West Central Illinois Shrine Club; Aledo Shrine Parade Patrol Unit; Past President of the Aledo Chapter of the American Red Cross; Past Commander and member of the American Legion, Falleran's Post #121, Aledo; and was a Mercer Township Trustee. He was a former 4-H Leader and was superintendent of the rabbits and chickens for many years at the fair. Bernard enjoyed traveling with his wife, just recently returning from Alaska. He also enjoyed raising cattle and listening to music. In earlier years, he sang in a quartet with his brother and sisters. He was a devoted father and grandfather who enjoyed attending his grandchildren's school functions. Bernard is survived by his wife, Virginia; a daughter and son-in-law: Eileen K. and Dave Sipes of Aledo; 2 sons: B. Paul Gilliland of Aledo and Brian S. Gilliland of St. Charles, IL; 7 grandchildren and a sister, Margaret Eager of Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ola; a son, James Stewart Gilliland; a brother, Robert and a sister, Katherine Rosten.