Illinois Great Rivers Conference 2025 Journal-Yearbook
He became a probationary member in the former Southern Illinois Conference in 1964 and was ordained a full elder in 1968. He served the following pastorates during his 38 years of ministry: Wanda-South Roxana; Troy-Mt. Zion, Anna, Carlyle, Sparta and Trenton, from where he retired in 1999. He enjoyed many travels with the church youth group; from leadership at Little Grassy Camp, volunteering on various mission trips, to hiking in Wyoming and fishing in Canada. He also enjoyed a meaningful trip to The Holy Land. In addition to his love of God, he cherished his family, his wife Pat of 62 years, and their daughters Susan and Dara and their families. Gary was active in his community as a member of the Lions Club as well as other organizations. In his free time and in retirement, Gary was an avid outdoorsman. He greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and golfing. He had many memorable hunting and fishing trips with family and friends. His sense of humor, caring demeanor, deep faith and sharing the love of Christ will be missed by all that knew him, especially his family. Gary is survived by his wife Pat, two daughters: Susan (Charles) Pollard of Highland and Dara (Paul) Scheller-Houska and grandchildren Nataleigh and Noah Scheller-Houska of St. Louis, Mo.; a sister, Colene (Harold) France of Tulsa, Okla.; brother-in-law, Mark (Karen) Viehweg of Litchfield and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and many dear friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Edward Viehweg; mother-in- law, Aileen Viehweg; his brother, Gale Scheller; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Scheller and Joan Scheller; and his brother-in-law, Dennis Viehweg. A celebration of life for the Rev. Gary Carl Scheller was held April 26, 2025, at Highland Hope UMC.
Franklin Silas 1939-2024 The Rev. Franklin Silas of Chenoa, 84, a retired IGRC clergy member, died June 9, 2024, in Normal.
Born Sept. 11, 1939, in Bareilly, India a son of Lala Lachman and Florence Silas. He married Ivy Johnson Oct. 14, 1983, in India. She survives. Rev. Silas was ordained a deacon by the North India Conference in 1964 and was ordained an elder in 1965. In 1978, he transferred to the former Central Illinois Conference and his orders of full membership were recognized in 1980. During his 25 years of ministry within Illinois, he served the following pastorates: Tower Hill-Henton-Robinson Creek-Zion, Adair-New Philadelphia, Divernon-Farmersville, Kansas, Stonington, Mt. Pulaski, Barry-El Dara, Quincy: Grace, and Cornell-Blackstone- chaplain of Evenglow Lodge, from where he retired in 2005. Survivors include his wife, the Rev. Ivy Silas of Chenoa; two sons: Paul (Beth) Silas of Jack- sonville N.C. and Phillip (Saile) Silas of New Berlin; three grandsons: Joshua, Michael and Jacob Silas; and a brother, Ronald (Christina) Silas of LaSalle, Ontario, Canada. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and a brother. Graveside services for the Rev. Franklin Silas were held June 12, 2024, at Chenoa Cemetery with the Rev. Ivy Silas officiating.
270 Memoirs
Powered by FlippingBook