George J. Dick

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[George J. Dick, 75, of South Walnut Grove Road in New Burnside, died Saturday afternoon, Aug. 16, 2008, in Heartland Regional Medical Center as a result of a tractor accident on his farm.

He was born on Jan. 11, 1933, in Livingston County to the late James and Blanche Collins Dick.

George retired from Oscar Mayer and was a Korean War veteran. He was Methodist by faith. George was a member of the Stonefort Masonic Lodge, the VFW in Pontiac, Saunemin American Legion and was a past member of the VFW Firing Squad. George loved the outdoors, his horses and just staying busy. He had a dry wit about him and loved to tease. After moving to Southern Illinois he found a home that he loved. He made many friends and enjoyed spending time with them and he especially loved being a grandpa.

George is survived by his wife, Helen; a daughter, Kristina Jackson of Buffalo, N.Y.; and two grandchildren, Isaiah and Grace; a brother, James Dick of Pontiac; and five stepchildren, Mabyn (David) Sims of Harrisburg, Eddie Beck of Des Plains, Keith (Jill) Beck of Bloomington, Richard (Shannon) Beck of Colfax and Michelle Bounds of Harrisburg; and 11 stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Orajean Hahn.

Cremation has been accorded and a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, at the First United Methodist Church in Carrier Mills. The Rev. Joey Dunning will officiate. Burial of the cremated remains will be in Sunny Brook Cemetery in Saunemin at a later date. Friends may call at the church after 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

The family has asked that flowers please be omitted and memorials be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital in his memory. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Absher-Nicholson Funeral Home in Carrier Mills assisted the family with the arrangements.