Eli Virden

He was born May 25, 1926 in Ramsey, IL, son of Eli Melvin Virden and Bertha Susan Patton Virden Wiseman. He first married Alta J. Jackson in 1945. She passed away in 1979. He later married Verla L. Culbertson in 1980 in Peoria. She died on December 17, 2002 in Poinciana, FL.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Albert L. and Lyle E. Virden, and 1 granddaughter.

He is survived by his children, Scottie (Doris) Virden of Portland, TN, Valerie (Charles) Farris of Dunlap, IL, Gary (Elizabeth) Virden of Speer, IL, Rickie (DiAnn) Virden of Peoria, IL, Marla Cork of Houston, TX; 2 step children, Judy (Butch) Shelton of East Peoria, IL, Robert Culbertson of Danvers, IL; 1 brother Melvin Wiseman, Sr. of Bellevue, IL; 3 sisters, Carmen Claybon of Peoria, Nellie Thornton of Bellevue, IL, Mabel Hamilton of Peoria; 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Eli was a WW II Navy veteran serving on the 1139 LST, the first LST to land at Yokosuka, Japan on August 30, 1945. He was a life member of the VFW, American Legion and the Moose Lodge. He served on the honor guard for many years as well as being involved in the kids American Legion baseball teams.

Eli retired from Kroger as a truck driver in 1988 after 40 years of committed service.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Remmert Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, October 19, 2012 at the funeral home. Rev. Larry O’Dell will officiate. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to any VFW, American Legion, or Moose Lodge.

Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.remmmertfuneralhome.com.