Eugene W. "Gene" Illian's Obituary
Eugene W. “Gene” Illian, age 70, of Georgetown, Delaware passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Christiana Healthcare, Newark, DE. Gene is the son of Charles H. and Georgia E. McKinney of Dewey Beach, De.
Gene was born in Beebe Hospital, was a graduate of Rehoboth High School where he played football and then went on to join the United States Marine Corp. He served from November 1962 to November 1966 receiving a Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Marksmanship Awards - Sharpshooter (M14). After honorable discharge, Gene worked in the Pentagon for several years, worked as a Realtor in Virginia and then spent time traveling in the west and living in Texas working for Dow Chemical Corporation. He returned to the family business in Delaware becoming a part-owner of Pier Point Marina. He was a co-owner with his sister Marty of the Lighthouse Gift Shop. Gene particularly enjoyed his work at Pat’s Aircraft Systems in Georgetown where he made many friends.
During his free time Gene enjoyed sports particularly baseball and football and often attended local high school events as well as watching major leagues. Throughout his life Gene enjoyed motorcycles, guitar playing, and was a big Elvis fan.
He was an avid nature lover particularly enjoying his hummingbirds. He enjoyed all wild life both in his backyard in Georgetown and at his parents home in Dewey Beach. He loved growing flowers, a passion he shared with his Mother as they designed and planted each years’ spring and fall flowers. He spent many hours outdoors, where he most loved to be, working around his home and yard while enjoying the company of his beloved cat “Lucky” aka “Pugsley”. Gene took great pride and had lots of fun with his three grandsons sharing their interests in sports and target shooting and most recently cars.
Gene was preceded in death by his birth father Homer Illian. He is survived by his son Eugene “Gene” W. Illian Jr. and wife Kellie and three grandchildren Cody, Casey, and Collin of Pa, daughter Yvonne Gaillardetz and husband Matt of Va; parents Charles and Georgia McKinney, De; brothers Homer Illian, Chuck McKinney, Donald McKinney, and Ronald. McKinney; sisters Carla. Rickards and Myra. Karlik.
Family and friends will gather for a Memorial Service with military honors to be held on Monday, November 10, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Memorial contributions may be made to National Wildlife Federation or Disabled American Veterans.
Please sign Gene’s guestbook located on this site.
PDF Printable Version
What’s your fondest memory of Eugene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eugene?
Share a story where Eugene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eugene you’ll never forget.
How did Eugene make you smile?