Lauren R Gill

Lauren R. Gill, 80, of Brownstown, IL, passed away at his home on April 3, 2020 after an extended battle with cancer. Lauren was born in Strasburg, IL to Fred F. Gill and Margaret L. (Lowry) Gill on November 24, 1939. Lauren had two sisters, Sarah (Forrest) Armstrong and Darlene (John) Moomaw and one brother David (Susan) Gill. They were raised in Strasburg, IL. Lauren graduated from Stewardson-Strasburg High School where he was a standout runner on the track team.

Lauren married Betty J. (Haken) Gill on December 22, 1992. Together Lauren and Betty owned and operated two stores in Centralia, IL, Second Time Around and Once Again. Lauren loved the interaction with customers and to drive his 1941 Dodge pickup truck to pick up and deliver items for the store.

Lauren’s first marriage was to Jane Henderson who was the mother of his five children: Devvie (Kelly) Hodge, Jeff Gill, Amy (Tal) Braunecker, all of Effingham, IL; L. Douglas (Bichnu) Gill of Carbondale, IL; and Steve (Trish) Gill of St. Elmo, IL.

Lauren’s second marriage was to Nancy Houchin with whom he had one child, Melinda Gill who died in infancy.

Lauren also gained and helped raise four step-children when he married Betty: Frank McCracken of Brownstown, IL; Richard McCracken of Roseburg, OR; J.J. McCracken, deceased and Michelle McCracken of Carlyle, IL.

Lauren is survived by his wife, Betty, sister Darlene, brother David, 9 children, 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Lauren was preceded in death by his mother and father, his sister Sarah, his daughter Melinda, his stepson J.J. and two grandchildren.

Private graveside services will be held for immediate family. A memorial will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Strasburg, IL.

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