Fred D McGahey

Born April 23, 1935 in Galesburg to John “Jack” and Pauline (Riley) McGahey, he married Joan C. “Joni” Landon on June 26, 1957 in Havana.  She died in February 2008 in Illinois.  Surviving are two daughters, Brenda K. Lehr and Christine “Chrissy” L. McGahey, both of Galesburg; one son, Russell (Debbie) McGahey of Henderson; two grandchildren, Jacob D. McGahey and Katey M. Wagner, both of Galesburg; three step-grandchildren, Matthew Kohl, Megan (George) Christie, and Ryan (Blayne) Kohl; two brothers, Jay McGahey and John McGahey, both of Galesburg; six sisters, Shirley Edwards, Birdie (Bill) Lietsch, Doris (Cook) Ray, Patsy Mitchell, Bette (Butch) Smith, and Mary (Bill) Galloway, all of Galesburg; and one sister-in-law, Joyce (Dave) Goff of Galesburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Isabel Gibbs of Connecticut and Clarcey Sue White of Galesburg; one son-in-law; three sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956.

Fred worked for the United States Postal Service for 35 years, until retiring on October 1, 1992.  Prior to that, he worked for Radke’s Furniture.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Galesburg.

He also was a member of the Alpha Lodge 155, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons in Galesburg and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

He loved to play cards and was an avid collector.  He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and was a Cub Scout leader.  He loved to watch old cowboy movies and he was quite a storyteller.

He enjoyed riding bikes, turtle hunting and many other activities with his grandkids.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother who loved his family above all else.

Cremation rites will be accorded.  There will be no visitation or funeral service per his request.  Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Carl Sandburg College Foundation for the Fred McGahey Memorial Nursing Scholarship, 2400 Tom Wilson Blvd. Galesburg, IL 61401.