Gary Edward Lishman, 73, of Galesburg, died at 1:50 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Seminary Manor.
He was born September 4, 1949, in Galesburg, the son of Edward Charles and June Eva (Schraub) Lishman.
He is survived by his children, Heidi (Martin) Pio of Elmwood and Heather (John) Miller of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; his stepson, Mason (Cheryl) Norris of Knoxville; five grandchildren, Seth Koll of Elmwood, Christopher (Rachael) Koll of Farmers City, Paige Koll of Tiffin, Iowa, Benjamin Miller and Joshua Miller, both of Pittsburgh, PA. He is also survived by his sisters, Janet Davis of Yates City and Debbie (Sid) Thrailkill of Galesburg; his lifelong best friend, Dave Cooley of Galesburg and many nieces and nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Roger Davis.
Gary was raised and educated in Galesburg, where he graduated from Galesburg High School in 1967 and earned an associate degree from Carl Sandburg College in 1970. Gary worked for many years as a delivery driver for Wilson Paper Company. He later worked for Blick Art Materials before retiring in 2020. He was a member of the Teamsters Union.
Gary was a huge sports fan, he loved the Bradley Braves, Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Bears, and the Chicago White Sox. He loved attending games and even went to the Final Four games in New Orleans in 1982. Gary also loved to travel, recently he made several trips to Pittsburgh, went to Gettysburg, and visited the Field of Dreams in Iowa. Gary always had a story, he loved to tell his friends, family, and anyone who would listen about his travels, sports, and his grandchildren. He enjoyed attending church and socializing. Gary never knew a stranger and did his best to spread kindness whenever he could. Gary also was known for his enormous Santa Collection, he collected them on his travels, received them as gifts, and shopped for them at garage sales. Gary would have wanted everyone to show kindness to a stranger every day. He truly loved to see other people smile.
The family is deeply grateful for the care he received from the staff at Seminary Manor and Hospice Compassus.
Cremation will be accorded. Memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, June 16, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg. Pastor Jordan Knight will officiate. Memorial contributions in Gary’s name may be made to Knox County Humane Society or Hospice Compassus. Online condolences may be made on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
