Gary James Whewell

Gary James Whewell, 77, of rural Murrayville passed away peacefully Sunday, May 28, 2023, at his home with his family by his side. He was born, July 3, 1945, in Jacksonville, Illinois, the son of John Allen and Mary Bernice McGrath Whewell. Gary grew up in Buckhorn, South of Jacksonville, later, on his great grandfather’s farm in Scott County. He attended South Jacksonville schools and graduated from Winchester High School. In his youth he enjoyed playing baseball, showing hogs at the Morgan County Fair, and working on the family farm. Gary married Margaret (Peggy) Helen Reardon on Sept. 11, 1965, at Saint Bartholomew Catholic Church in Murrayville. She survives along with their four children, Todd Whewell (Debi) of Murrayville, Terry (Shelley) Whewell of Winchester, Jeanette (Larry) Hemmerle of Auburn and Julie Whewell (Tim) of Winchester; four grandchildren, Brandon (Abby) Whewell (who are expecting the first great grandchild), Tanner Whewell, Lauren Margaret Hemmerle, and Andrew Hemmerle; along with a special step-grandson, Joshua Roach, and his family. Also surviving are brothers, Albert and Larry (Barb) Whewell of South Jacksonville, G. Edward Whewell of Fairview Heights, and sister, Joyce Griffeth of South Jacksonville; uncle, Jim McGrath of Springfield and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding in death were his parents, brothers, Donald, Gerald, Andy Whewell, and an infant brother, Harold. Gary was a lifetime farmer in Morgan and Scott Counties. He was a Vietnam veteran and a life member of the Amvets. He retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation after 32 years of employment. Many of those years as lead foreman for the Morgan and Cass County Highway Department. Gary’s favorite past-times were raising cattle, gardening, playing cards and card parties, tv westerns, and his dog, Lucy, who followed him around. Most of all, he loved spoiling his grandchildren and any other little children who came into his life. A funeral mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Our Saviour Catholic Church in Jacksonville with interment in the St. Bartholomew Cemetery near Murrayville. A prayer service will be held Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. with the visitation to follow from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Daws Family Funeral Home in South Jacksonville. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital in honor of Gary’s great niece, Kaitlyn Wooding, who with St. Jude’s care, survived cancer. Memorials are also suggested to the Church of Our Saviour. Condolences may be left online at www.mackeydaws.com.

Gary James Whewell

July 3, 1945 - May 28, 2023