George Dean Morrow

     George Dean Morrow, 82, of Edinburg, TX, formerly of Athensville, IL(for 81 years), passed away Friday, May 19, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.  He was born May 16, 1935 in Athensville, the son of Dean and Beulah (Cummins) Morrow.  He married the love of his life, Janet Thaxton, June 26, 1955, in Wrights, IL, and she survives in Edinburg, TX. Also surviving is a daughter, Sharon (Clarence) Cunningham and a son Bill (Celeste) Morrow, all of Jacksonville, grandchildren Melissa (Jim Marsh) Costello and Korey (Kayla) Grinkey all of Greenfield, Mike (Sarah Jarman) Morrow of Jacksonville, step-granddaughter Leanna (Chet) Wynn of Jacksonville, great-grandchildren Clayton and Claire Costello, Taggert and Tucker Grinkey, all of Greenfield, Macyn Elizabeth and William Dean Morrow of Jacksonville, step-great-granddaughter, Beth Wynn of Milwaukee, WI, a brother Verbal (Sue) Morrow of Athensville, two sisters, Ann (Bob) Spencer and Mary Clark both of Springfield, and a very special niece, Beth Morrow of Athensville.

     George Dean graduated from Greenfield High School and attended the University of Missouri for two years. During this time, he made numerous friendships which have lasted a life time. He met two boys at college that he continued a friendship with that turned into a brotherhood.  These men were Doug (Joyce) Taber and Billy Ray now deceased and surviving wife Rosalie. He had multiple jobs during his lifetime.  He was a lover of land farming for 60 years. He owned and operated George’s Paint and Body Shop in Athensville for 50 years.  He drove a school bus for the Greenfield School District for 10 years. After retirement, he went to work at Midland’s Farm and Home in Jacksonville serving as assistant manager for 12 years. When he retired once again, he went to work at Bucheit in Jacksonville.  In his younger years, he served on the Greene County Farm Bureau Board and Athensville Township Board.  George Dean was a member of the Athensville Baptist Church since 1955, having served in capacities as youth leader, Sunday school teacher, trustee and Deacon.  He loved the Lord which showed by his life.  He loved his church and church family. He was a mild mannered and loving man, wanting to help in any way he could.  He loved his family dearly and his greatest joy was when they were all gathered together to eat his “world famous” barbecued pork chops.

     Per George’s request, there will be no visitation or memorial service.  Memorials can be sent to the Athensville Baptist Church RR#3, Roodhouse, IL. 62082. The Shields-Bishop Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, and online condolences can be left at shields-bishopfh.com.

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