Gill Garman

Gill McWilliams Garman passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 31st, 2014 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, caring friend, and a true gentleman. Gill was born May 18, 1943 in Urbana, IL to Tom and Naomi (Lierman) Garman. They preceded him in death. Raised in Urbana, Gill was a member of the Class of 61 of Urbana High School, and had many lifetime friends. He and his cohorts called themselves the “Good Buddies”, and he cherished those friendships his entire life. He received his B.A in Economics from the University of Illinois in 1965. While in a Labor Economics class, he met Rita Bell. They began a courtship, and fell in love. Gill and Rita began Law School at the University of Iowa in the fall of 1965. On August 26, 1967, they were married in Ritas hometown of Oswego, IL. Upon graduation from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1968, Gill and Rita chose to begin their law careers in Danville. He began his career at Sebat, Swanson, & Banks. At the time of his death, he was a partner in the firm of Kesler, Nelson, Garman, Brougher, & Townsley. He was a proud lawyer who was committed to his clients and to the highest standards. Gill and Rita were blessed with two children, Sara Ellen (John) Doyle of Champaign, IL, and Andrew Gill (Meredith) Garman of West Des Moines, IA. They cherish their three grandchildren - Kathleen (Kate) & Griffin Doyle and Samantha Garman. The grandchildren adored their “Pop”, and will miss him tremendously. Gill was active in Danville Rotary, where he was a past president and a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on numerous boards and committees, including the Danville Public Library, the Presence United Samaritans Foundation, and was a Director of First Savings Bank. He was an active member of St. James United Methodist Church and the Danville Country Club. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Gill was respected by his many friends, and will be missed for his intellect, strength of character, and his sense of humor. Gill was a two-time organ transplant recipient, and was passionate about giving the gift of life. The family would like to thank Dr. Brij Sodhi and his wonderful staff for their outstanding care. Dr. Sodhi saved Gills life on a number of occasions, and was a trusted medical advisor. He and his family were true friends. A celebration of Gills life will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. James United Methodist Church in Danville with Rev. Randall Robinson officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 from 2:00-8:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville. Entombment will take place at Springhill Cemetery. We would truly like to thank all of those who reached out to our family in special ways during our long journey. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. James United Methodist Church, the Danville Public Library Foundation, the Danville Symphony Orchestra, or any charity of the donors choosing. Please join Gills family in sharing photos, videos and memories of him through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com