Eugene Skarupa

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Eugene N. Skarupa, 76, of Decatur, formerly of Dowell, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 1:49 am Friday, February 1, 2008 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Services to celebrate Eugene's life will be held at 2 pm Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm Monday evening at the funeral home. Military honors will be given by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to DMH Hospice or American Cancer Society.

Eugene was born on September 19, 1931 in Dowell, Illinois, a son of Mike and Ada (Hallam) Skarupa. He married Peggy Sue Daffron on September 3, 1960 in Dowell, Illinois. Gene was a long-time member of Northwest Christian Church and served as treasurer for many years. He served as Master Sergeant in the US Air Force with Honorable Discharge in 1953. He worked as an IRS agent for 30 years of faithful service.

Gene greatly enjoyed his retirement by growing many beautiful flowers and vegetables, and watching the birds and animals in his yard. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed participating in his grandchildren's lives.

Surviving are his wife, Peggy Sue of 47 years, two daughters- Kathy (Hunter) of Wytheville, VA, and Kelly (David) Burbridge of Highland, IL, one son- William (LeAnn) of Decatur, sisters- Elizabeth Cobin, Patricia (Ed) Bonner, brother- Bill (Rosalie) Skarupa, six grandchildren- Kramer Burbridge, Kameron Burbridge, Lauren Skarupa, Trenton Skarupa, Jacob McCoy, and A.J. McCoy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Kathleen, and an infant grandson Trevor Skarupa.

The family would like to thank everyone who cared for Eugene during his illness.

He will be missed by all who knew him.