Gary L. Lawhead (69) of Effingham

Gary L. Lawhead, 69, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, with his loving wife and family by his side.

According to Gary’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.  A memorial dinner will be held at a later date. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family. Memorials may be made in loving memory of Gary to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Gary was born on October 2, 1947, in Flat Rock IL, the son of Mack and Ruth (Kendall) Lawhead. He married Kathy Bright on May 6, 2005 in Effingham, however they had been together for 24 years. Gary loved spending time with his family, shooting pool, gardening, and cooking. He held a special place in the hearts of everyone that knew him.

Gary is survived by his wife, Kathy Bright Lawhead; daughters, Amy (Gary) King of Arkansas and Natasha “Tasha” Wilderman of Indiana; grandchildren, Seth Embry, Trent Embry, Shaelyn Biggers, McKenzie Wilderman, Addie Wilderman, Josh King, and Cloe King; 11 great-grandchildren; brothers, Gerald (Jean) Lawhead, Raymond (Kathleen) Lawhead, Kenny (Ann) Lawhead, Don (Terrie) Lawhead, Paul (Marsha) Lawhead, David (Colleen) Lawhead; sister, Cathy Lawhead; sister-in-law, Bev (Ray) Conrad; brothers-in-law, Kevin Bright, Steve Bright, and Dan Bright; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Mack and Ruth Lawhead; mother-in-law, Edith Bright; brothers, Cecil (Darlene) Kendall and Clarence (Joyce) Lawhead; sisters, Florence (Fred) Wall, Irilla (John) Hoover, and Imogene (Perry) Murphy.