Eugene L. "Gene" Humphreville

Eugene L.'Gene' Humphreville, 85, of Springfield, died at 7:53 a.m. on Monday, December 18, 2006 at St. John’s Hospice. Mr. Humphreville was born on September 11, 1921 in Oak Park, the son of Eugene D. and Gertrude Miller Humphreville. He married Barbara Hopkins on May 14, 1949 at St. Edmunds Catholic Church in Oak Park, IL; she preceded him in death on February 01, 2004. Before enlisting in the U.S. Army, Mr. Humphreville attended the University of Chicago. For his service during WW II, Mr. Humphreville received the EAME Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Star; American Theater Ribbon; Good Conduct Medal and WWII Victory Medal. In 1992, after forty-six years in the insurance industry, Mr. Humphreville retired as a vice president from Horace Mann Educators Corporation where he had worked for 25 years. Mr. Humphreville was an active community volunteer for more than three decades. In recognition of this work, he was named the 2002 Copley First Citizen of Greater Springfield. For many years, Mr. Humphreville managed the St. Martin de Porres Center, which gives food, clothing and other items to the needy. Along with a large group of volunteers, he worked tirelessly to transform St. Martin’s from a relatively small operation into one of central Illinois’ most active food pantries. In addition, Mr. Humphreville was both a Goodwill Board Member and a volunteer for Big Brother/Big Sister for more than twenty-five years. He was also a member of CPCU. He was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish since the 1950s. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, George Humphreville. He is survived by five daughters, Marilyn (husband, Philip) Boria and Donna (husband, John) Evans both of Elmhurst, IL, Joanne Humphreville of Chicago, Judith Humphreville and Anne Humphreville, both of Atlanta, GA; two sons, Mark (wife, Cynthia) Humphreville of Columbus, OH, and David (wife, Sian Wetherill) Humphreville of New York, NY; nine grandchildren; three sisters, Naomi Dobbins of Neenah, WI; Marilyn Hannon of Villa Park, IL; and Delores Rinehart of Akron, OH; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family welcomes friends to visit from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Deccember 21, 2006 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Concelebrated Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 22, 2006 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield with Rev. David Hoefler principal celebrant. Cremation will be accorded following the Funeral Mass by The Cremation Tribute Center. Private Burial will be held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Martin De Porres Center, 1725 South Grand Avenue East, Springfield, IL 62703. The family of Eugene L. 'Gene' Humphreville is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.