Howard "Gene" Sylvester

Howard Wesley “Gene” Sylvester, 91 of Arcola, IL passed away at 9:18 P.M. on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Mattoon Rehab and Health Care.

To honor Gene’s wishes, no formal services will be held at this time.  The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. 

Gene was born on June 25, 1930 in Arcola, IL.  He was a son of Robert Howard and Opal (Parker) Sylvester.  He married Helen Yarnell Thomas on July 20, 1950 in Arcola, IL

He is survived by his wife, Helen of Arcola, IL, three sons, Virgil Sylvester and his wife Janice of Mattoon, IL, Mike Sylvester of Charleston, IL and Larry Sylvester and his wife Pam of Benton, IL, five grandchildren, Toby Sylvester of Charleston, IL, Troy Sylvester and his wife Christi of Tuscola, IL, April Eaton and her husband Brad of Neoga, IL, John Sylvester and his wife Kate of Bloomington, IL and Mandy Sylvester of Harrisburg, IL, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, Ruth Collins, Betty Thompson, Louise Sylvester, Evelyn Gamble, and Mildred Hurtt, and his twin brother, Earl “Jack” Sylvester.

Gene worked at USI for 32 years, retiring in 1992.  

He loved to fish along the Kaskaskia River, taking pictures of owls and red tail hawks in and around Arcola, and he and Helen enjoyed traveling.