George Vinyard

George Franklin Vinyard, age 84, of Mt. Sterling, Illinois and formerly of Griggsville, passed away at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at his residence.

He was born April 27, 1934 in Greenfield, Illinois the son of Athen Albert and Cecilia Agnes Kane Vinyard.  He married Ada Virginia Main on January 9, 1978 and she preceded him in death on February 5, 2011. 

George was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.  He served in the United States Army and continued to be a proud veteran.  He was a loyal employee of CIPS for 33 years.  After retiring he remained active as he cared for his home in which he built with Jenny.  He took great pride in keeping the lawn like a golf course.  George loved his Golden Retriever “Jake”.  They were best buddies and would go everywhere together.  He extremely missed his pal after 12 years of companionship.  George enjoyed the outdoors, spending time with his family, watching his great grandchildren grow, cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, relaxing on his covered porch in the afternoon and admiring the numerous hummingbirds which would come to feed.  His hobby was making wine with his best buddy, Bob Wort.   George was a wealth of knowledge for this family and friends and was a lifeline and “phone a friend” to so many.  He will be sadly missed by all that knew him.  

George was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Mt. Sterling and the Griggsville American Legion Post #212.  

Survivors include his companion Estella “Izzy” Hamilton.   6 children Vicky Vinyard of Woodson, Illinois, Valerie Stinebaker (Keenan) of Perry, Illinois, Douglas Vinyard (Angela) of Griggsville, Illinois and Todd Vinyard (Tia) of Griggsville, Illinois, Brenda Booth (Berry) of Pittsfield, Illinois and Kimberly Zoeller (Greg) of Bolingbrook, Illinois.  2 sisters Agnes Piper of Greenfield, Illinois and Kay Reno of Jerseyville, Illinois.  12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren also survive along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 son George Richard Vinyard in infancy, 1 great grandson Chase Douglas Hasten in infancy, 2 brothers Herbert Vinyard and Athen Vinyard, Jr. and 2 sisters Edna Plogger and Mary Costello. 

A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2019 in the Holy Family Catholic Church in Mt. Sterling with Father Steve Thompson officiating.

Cremation will be accorded following the mass and private burial will be held at a later date in the Mt. Sterling Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday evening at the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling.  A rosary service will be conducted at the conclusion of the visitation.

Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hendrickerfuneralhome.com.

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is in charge of the arrangements.

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