Orville W. Gaddis, 81, of Robinson, IL, died at 12:35 a.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at United Methodist Village, Lawrenceville, IL. He was born May 3, 1923 south of New Hebron, IL, the son of Ross "Jake" Gaddis and Ida Fowler Gaddis. He was custodian for Unit #2 schools for 32 ½ years. 16 years at Jefferson Grade School and 16 ½ at Washington Grade School. He served in World War II as Sgt. Squad Leader in the 313th Infantry Reg. 79th Div in Normandy-Northern France. He was a member of the Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549.
He married Elizabeth Beard on January 14, 1943 and she preceded him in death on December 9, 1991. He was also preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, Pearly Hall and Robertine Seals; and 2 brothers, one in infancy and Bert Gaddis.
He is survived by locally by his nephew, Tom Beard, Sr, Robinson that he raised like a son; 3 grandchildren, Tommy Beard, II, Robinson, Tony Beard, Oblong, and Blake Beard, Robinson; a sister, Joyce Dunbar, Robinson; 2 nephews, Joe Seals and George Seals; 4 nieces, Sheila Adams, Judy Watton, Brenda Reidenbaugh, and Betty Ringer all in Pennsylvania; 1 niece, Beatrice Allen in Ohio.
Funeral services will be held Monday, May 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Rev. Gene Beard is in charge of services. Burial is in the Robinson New Cemetery. Visitation is from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday. Memorials may be made to the Robinson Washington School Playground Equipment Fund. Military graveside services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, Flat Rock American Legion Post #132 and the Palestine AmVets Post #33.