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David Allen Wenzel, formerly of Shawneetown

SHAWNEETOWN - David Allen Wenzel of Paris, Illinois, formerly of Shawneetown, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on the afternoon of Dec. 8, 2017.

David was born July 19, 1948, in Shawneetown, the son of Joseph and Jennie Pearl (Payne) Wenzel.

He began his 35-year career as a strip miner with Peabody Coal Company. He ran heavy equipment and shovels, finally retiring from Amex Coal Company in Central Indiana.

David was well known for not only his uncanny ability to fix nearly anything, but also his willingness to apply this skill to help anyone in need.

He dearly loved to fly and obtained his pilot's license. At one time, he even owned his own plane.

David had a big heart for animals. He especially loved his cats and spoiled them rotten.

Survivors include his high school sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Gail (Stanelle) Wenzel; daughter, Marion Wenzel Marshall and her husband Patrick of Leesburg, Virginia; grandchildren, Samuel Marshall, also of Leesburg, Virginia, and Katie Marshall who, upon leaving the military, is enrolled at the University of Texas, San Antonio; and two brothers, Michael "Mick" Wenzel of Shawneetown and Steven Wenzel of Southpoint, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Bob, Paul "Hersh" and Fred.

Local funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, in Cox and Son Funeral Home in Shawneetown. Burial will follow in Westwood Cemetery in Shawneetown. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at Cox and Son Funeral Home and 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Stewart and Carroll Funeral home in Paris, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

For further information and online condolences, visit www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com.

"To most people, the sky is the limit. To those who love flying, the sky is home." - author unknown