Dewitt Obits

Bertram Wesley Gillum Jr.

Bertram Wesley Gillum Jr., 87, formerly of Mt. Pulaski, IL, passed away on Monday, November 26, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

 

Bertram was born on November 10, 1931 in Mt. Erie Township, IL; son of Bertram Wesley and Rosalind Modena (Best) Gillum Sr. He married Obdulia Guajardo on March 7, 1954 in Houston, TX. She survives him.

 

Also surviving Bertram are his children: Cynthia Ann (Roger) Gill of Lincoln, IL, Debra Jean Gardner of Fairview Heights, IL, William Joseph (Linda Bree) Gillum of Hernando, FL, Teresa Diane (James) Crider of Springfield, IL, and Bertram Wesley Gillum III of Keller, TX; his siblings: Paul W. (Fern) Gillum, Shirley J. Gill, and Theara Sue (John Michael) Werschey; sixteen grandchildren and thirty-six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Donald W. Gillum and Jerry W. Gillum.

 

Bertram proudly served in the United States Air Force for 16 years. He retired as the Chief of Police in Mt. Pulaski, IL and was a member of Park Meadows Baptist Church in Lincoln, IL. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Illinois Sheriff Association, Mt. Pulaski American Legion Post#447, REACT, and helped and assisted with the Special Olympics. He also loved and enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals.

 

Services for Bertram will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 3, 2018, at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Mt. Pulaski, IL with Rev. Nick Hardy officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, December 2, 2018, also at the funeral home in Mt. Pulaski, IL. Burial at Mt. Pulaski Cemetery will follow the service. Memorials may be made in Bertram’s name to Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.