Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Kermit Tuel
May 15th, 1926 - Nov 5th, 2023Kermit Eugene Tuel, age 97, of Flora, Illinois, and a former Oblong resident, passed away Sunday morning, November 5, 2023, at Lakeland Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Effingham.
He was born May 15, 1926, in Oblong, the son of Lee and Blanche (Wilson) Tuel. He was united in marriage to Barbara Lee Huskey on November 24, 1955, and together they shared 62 wedding anniversaries until her passing May 16, 2018.
Kermit was a Navy veteran of World War II. His two-day trip on The Honor Flight to Washington DC, accompanied by his son-in-law Ron, was an emotional recognition of his Navy service that will always be appreciated. He fondly reminisced about his early years working for the GM&O Railroad, and he later retired from the Heath Candy Company in Robinson. He enjoyed time spent gardening and fishing, and will be remembered for baking things like delicious yeast donuts to share with his family. He was past member of the Lions Club. Memories of a dad and grandpa who was often “fixing” and disassembling all kinds of things was something that will bring smiles to those who loved him best.
He is survived by his children: Ron (Pam) Tuel of Oblong, Rodney (Kelly) Tuel of Oblong, Tanya Tuel of Flora, and Tammie (Ron) McKinney of Flora; 13 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law: Diane Lemmon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a son: Don “Donnie” Tuel; a grandson: Jonathan; and siblings: Chuck Tuel, Howard Tuel, and Wanda Schoffstall.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Military funeral honors will be presented at the conclusion of the ceremony. A visitation will be held from 1 until 2 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Private interment will take place in Hardinville Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com