Orvel L. Buzzard

Orvel L. Buzzard
(July 19, 1931 – October 5, 2021)

Orvel Lee Buzzard , 90, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 10:02 a.m. Tuesday, October 5, 2021 in Shelbyville Manor.

A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, November 6, 2021, in Glenwood Cemetery, Lookout Addition, with Pastor Mike Carr officiating.  Military rites will be conducted by the Shelby County Honor Guard.  Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church Food Pantry or the Shelby County Salvation Army, and mailed to Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, 415 North Broadway, Shelbyville, IL 62565. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL.

Orvel was born on July 19, 1931 in East St. Louis, IL, the son of Cecil Rue and Dorothy Belle (Wallace) Buzzard. He attended Cowden Schools and graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1950. Orvel then went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1954 during the Korean War. Orvel married Joy R. Hankins on November 21, 1954. He worked as an inspector at Blaw-Knox in Mattoon, IL for 42 years, retiring in 1997. Orvel also worked as a janitor at Dillow’s in Shelbyville. He enjoyed walking his dogs, working in his garage, and watching the Chicago Bears.

Orvel is survived by his wife, Joy; daughter, Cindy Phelps of Shelbyville, IL; son, Jeffrey Buzzard of Windsor, IL; brother, John Buzzard and wife Cherron of Shelbyville, IL; three grandchildren, Brandi Price and husband Shane, Timeka McKittrick and husband Jared, and Jared Phelps and wife Kristina all of Shelbyville, IL; six great grandchildren, Rylee Price, Zed Phelps, Jarrett McKittrick, Marley Phelps, Kalli McKittrick, and Ava Phelps all of Shelbyville; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Elwin Rue Buzzard; and daughter, Jeanne Buzzard on March 8, 1995.

The family would like to thank the staff of Garden Court for the care they provided Orvel during his time at Shelbyville Manor.