Melvin Gary Gile, 88, of Coffeen, died on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 6:20 a.m., at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Military honors will be performed at Hough-Dean Funeral Home on Saturday, May 30, at 10 a.m. Hough-Dean Funeral home is assisting the family.
He was born on Nov. 30, 1937, in Rock Island, one of 13 children to Charles and Dorothy (Rifley) Gile. He graduated from Rock Island High School and earned his associate degree while in the military.
On March 8, 1958, he married the love of his life, the former June Cooper, and together raised four children. She survives. He was employed in the manufacturing industry as a laborer after 20 years of serving in the United States Air Force. He enjoyed his muzzle loader, was an avid reader and loved to be home in England. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Hillsboro and the Boy Scouts of America, where he served as leader.
He is survived by his wife, June; sons, Robert (Tanya) Gile and Gary (Vivian) Gile; daughter, Kelly Osborn; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Christine Hoff, Steven Hoff, Frank Gile and Emma Gile.
He was preceded in death by his son, Carl Gile and his 12 siblings.
Condolences may be left at www.houghdeanfh.com.
