Derrell Gene Degenhardt
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Derrell Gene Degenhardt, 76, of Du Quoin, passed away at 6:40 a.m., Monday, May 24, 2010 at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.
Gene had worked as a field engineer with IBM for 32 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Du Quoin. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War. Gene was also a member of A-Wa-We-Go Campers, was a private pilot, and was an avid woodworker making furniture.
He was born June 1, 1933 at Carbondale, Ill., the son of Joseph and Ruth (Danbury) Degenhardt.
He married Shirley A. Knight on May 30, 1953 at Du Quoin, Ill. and she preceded him in death on Oct. 3, 2002.
He is survived by one son - Stephen Degenhardt of South Easton, Mass., two daughters - Diana Riley of Cotter, Ark., and Cathryn Wunder of Apalachin, N.Y., one brother - Donald Degenhardt of Kansas City, Mo., special friend - Delores "Dee" Craig, six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 27, 2010 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Michael Ebersohl officiating.
Friends called from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial was in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to the Alzheimer's Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Military graveside rites were conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.