1937
2013
Gary E. Luallen, age 75, of Argenta, formerly of Bloomington, passed away Thursday May 9, 2013 at 10:15 a.m. at Heartland Nursing Home in Decatur.
He was born July 4, 1937 in Bloomington to Elmer and Mary E. (McCormick) Luallen. He married Tam Skelton June 18, 1960 in Normal.
Survivors include one daughter, Donna Luallen of Seattle, WA, one son, John (Kim) Luallen of Spring Hill, FL, four grandchildren: Tyler and Casey Fulks, Zachary and Noah Luallen, two brothers: James (Genevieve) Luallen of Castle Rock, CO, Thomas (Cheryl) Luallen of Clinton, IL, two sisters: Patricia (Kenneth deceased) Mullins of Decatur, Norene (Roger) Homan of Normal, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his partner in life for the past eighteen years, Linda Grider of Argenta, and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Gary graduated from Maroa High School, and received a Bachelors and Master's Degree from Illinois State University where he played football. He was a United States Marine Veteran.
Gary was a teacher and a coach most of his life. He started his teaching career in Rockton, IL, and then taught in Lovington, IL. then at Normal Community High School for 28 years retiring in 1994. He taught PE and Drivers Education. He coached football, golf, basketball, cross country, and wrestling. He also refereed basketball, football, and wrestling.
His hobbies and interests included: golf, horseshoes, bowling, hockey, softball, and running. He was a past president of the UFEA, Unit 5 Education Association.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A visitation will be Monday May 13, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington. A celebration of Life will be Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate or to Alzheimer's Research.
The family would like to thank the whole staff at Heartland of Decatur Nursing Home for their care and assistance for Gary.
He is loved, respected, and will be missed. He will be remembered by many as a teacher of the "old school".
Semper Fi.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 13, 2013
Ronald Parkin
We all loved Coach Lu--will never forget, as we walked into the gym for PE, how he would yell, "Think quick!" As we looked up, a medicine ball would be inches from our hands. He always treated us with respect, and we had much respect for him--sorry for your loss and may God bless Coach Lu!
May 13, 2013
Gregg Masters
I have some wonderful memories of Mr. Lu! I am so very lucky to have known him. My Dad, Gene Masters taught with at NCHS. I can't imagine two bigger smiles when they hear friends, family, students and teachers referring to either of them as "old school"...yep...and I'm lucky to have gone to that "Old School" and learned from both of them.
May 12, 2013
Bart Williams
Gary was a great teacher, a great coach, and a good friend. God Bless.
May 11, 2013
Robert Laskowksi
Gary was a great guy. He pitched horseshoes and kept the statistics for many years with the Twin City Horseshoe League. Always a gentleman competitor. Our condolences to the family. Twin City Horseshoe club.
May 11, 2013
Mike & Susan Still
Tam, Donna, John, and family......
Heartfelt condolences to all.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.....
Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers as we know you will miss him terribly.
Much Love, Mike and Susan
May 11, 2013
John & Anne Latini
Tam,
John and I are praying for you and your family.
Sending warm hugs.
May 11, 2013
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Mr. Luallen. A wonderful teacher and a true gentleman. You will be greatly missed.
Lisa D. Craig
Class of 1979 NCHS.
May 11, 2013
Kathi Kraft
Me.Luallen- you will always be in the minds and hearts of the students you taught. Thanks for the memories.
May 11, 2013
Julie Botkin
RIP Mr. Lu! Thanks for teaching me how to drive! Prayers for peace for you family.
May 10, 2013
My thanks, and prayers for your family healing from their loss.
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