Bernard E Lewallen

Bernard 'Bernie' Eugene Lewallen, 95, of Danville passed away on Thursday April 9, 2020, at home. He was born in Advance, Ind., on Aug. 4, 1924, the son of Alva and Jessie Lewallen. On May 5, 1951, Bernie married the love of his life, Ruth M. Holappa, and the two spent 59 wonderful years together before her passing in August 2011. Bernie is survived by his three children, Steve (Kathy Beck) Lewallen of Neenah, Wis., Craig (Vicki Squires) Lewallen of Danville, Carole (Harry) Mullins of Foristell, Mo.; six grandchildren, Hannah, Benjamin, Tricia, Andrea, Staci, Lindsey; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, George Lewallen; and special friend, Bette Brown. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Lewallen; parents, Alva and Jessie Lewallen; three brothers, Clifford Lewallen, Alva Lewallen Jr. and Herdith Lewallen; and sisters, Inda Eberhart, Elizabeth Shadowens and Galen Warren. Bernie graduated from Advance High School class of 1942 and retired from Hurletron as vice president of operations after 40 years of service. Bernie served in the Navy during World War II from 1943-46. He was a member of the American Legion Post 210, American Legion's honor society for American veterans - the Forty and Eight, the VFW and the Elks in Danville, as well as the American Legion, VFW and Elks in Lake Placid, Fla. In his spare time Bernie enjoyed fishing, gardening and camping and was known for his famous fish frys. A private family service will take place at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834 with a celebration of life tentatively scheduled for Aug. 8 at the American Legion Post 210. Bernie will be laid to rest in the Danville National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Bernie's name to the Forty and Eight organization. Please join Bernie's family in sharing memories and photos on his tribute wall atwww.sunsetfuneralhome.com.