Eugene Poignant

Gene was born December 12, 1938, in Partridge Township, Woodford County, Illinois, to Harold and Velma (Marchand) Poignant at home, where his parents and grandparents had lived since the mid-1800’s. Gene married the love of his life, Mary Lynn Conway, on June 15, 1963 and were married nearly 60 years.

Mary survives along with son, Dean (Stephanie) Poignant of Lacon and daughter Jennifer (Mike) Safford of East Peoria; grandchildren Nicholas (Brittany) Poignant, Deanna (Clark) Chambers, Austin Safford, Samuel Poignant, Benjamin Poignant, Matthew Connolly, Autumn Safford, and Lauren (Trenten) Nevitt; great grandchildren Ian and Isabella Poignant; plus, many nieces, nephews, and his guardian cat, Alice. Also surviving are sisters Betsy (Gerry) Nolan and Esther (Darrell) Ely, plus stepsister Delight (Michael) Massey. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Velma; step-father, Dwight Briner; brother Leroy (Marie) Poignant; sister Lois (Ronnie) Danhof; twin grandsons Evan and Alec Safford.

Gene dedicated his life to caring and loving for his family through hard work leaving home before sunrise and returning home after dark. Gene grew up on the family farm; served in the US Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis; and, returned to the family homestead. Eugene started a successful excavating business, which he and Mary passionately grew over many years. Eugene loved his family, Catholic Faith, and friends.

Gene was a gifted equipment operator, and was able to mold the earth into beautiful places. Gene also grew abundant gardens which were shared with his family and friends. He enjoyed square dancing, which is how he and Mary met, and they danced for the next 60 years. Gene also loved nature and the outdoors, playing euchre, and traveling with his family. Eugene enjoyed an occasional Bud light cold, tomatoes canned, and squirrels fried medium-well.

Eugene’s beautiful, joyous heart, clear blue eyes, and laughter are greatly missed, but his love and memories will not fade.

Visitation will take place at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral home at 2408 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, Illinois from 5-7 pm on Thursday, March 23. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 am, Friday, March 24 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Peoria Heights, Illinois, with visitation from 10:00 to 10:45 am immediately preceding the service. Internment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, and a luncheon will be held at St. Thomas immediately thereafter.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woolsey-wilton.com for the Poignant family.

Donations in Gene's memory may be made to Sun Foundation, Washburn, Illinois; or, alternatively, offer random acts of kindness to others.