George Redden

Rossville-On June 2, 2008 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno, Illinois, George A. Redden, 91, left this world to enter eternal life with God. Born in rural Rossville, Illinois on February 25, 1917, he was the son of Guy C. and Edith Allison Redden. He married Dolly Hogge of East St. Louis on October 31, 1941, in Selma, Alabama. She survives. Other survivors include a son, Rex, of Colorado Springs, CO; daughters Jan (David) Morgan of Rossville, Georganne (Michael) Morris of Mahomet, a brother, Dr. Jack Redden of Rapid City, SD; 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. George graduated from Illinois State Normal University in 1938 and later joined the Army Air Corp, becoming a pilot in 1941, serving his country in both WWII and the Korean War. He was the recipient of many awards among which were the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with three oak leaf clusters, and the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat flying, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. After military service, he and his family returned to their family farm south of Rossville where he raised cattle. He also taught math and science and coached wrestling at Bismarck-Henning High School. George was a Gideon and an active member of the Rossville United Methodist Church, teaching both Sunday school classes and leading Bible groups. He was also a member of the Rossville American Legion. An outdoorsman, he loved all nature and especially enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with his friends. Much loved by his family, George was preceded in death by a brother, Lloyd Rusty Redden, and two sisters, June Redden Ryburn and Jean Redden Collings. A Celebration of Georges Life will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday June 5, 2008 at the Rossville United Methodist Church with Pastor Dennis Divan officiating. Visitation will be held form 4-7 pm Wednesday evening at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Bethel Cemetery in Alvin, IL with Military Honors. Memorial may be made to the Danville Chapter of Gideons International and/or Hospice of Kankakee Valley, Bourbonnais, IL. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com