Ernest Nolen

Ernest E. “Gene” Nolen, age 89 of Beardstown, died Thursday, July 27, 2017 at his home.

He was born July 1, 1928 in Granite City, IL, the son of Ernest and Helen Swiatek Nolen Patterson. He married Harriett Spencer on May 30, 1970 and she preceded him in death on August 2, 2015.

He is survived by his daughter Gena (husband Jake) Coats of Beardstown; step son Jim (Tammy) White of Philadelphia; four grandchildren Zackary and Nolen Coats, Stephanie (husband Chad) Treadway, and Heather (husband Brant) Springer; four great grandchildren Christian, Carter, Kaydence, and Caden Treadway; and two sisters Barbara Mickan of Annapolis, MO and Judy Castillo of Granite City; and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Emmett Patterson who raised him from a young age as his own, twin brothers in infancy, and one sister Delores Markam.

Mr. Nolen was a veteran of the United States Army. Gene had great memories working alongside his stepfather’s soda business traveling to businesses, collecting and delivering crates. He worked for A.O. Smith as a welder in Granite City, where he made car frames for the Chevrolet Corvette. Gene enjoyed the outdoors whether it was camping, fishing, or hosting cookouts. He and his friend Harold Tyson are still trying to figure out who is the president of the Liars Club. Watching wrestling was a passion Gene passed down to his family. Most of all he cherished his family and had a special bond with his grandson’s.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. Burial will be in the Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 10 AM until the time of services at the memorial home on Tuesday.

Memorials have been suggested to Zackary and Nolen Coats. Grandpa’s traveling buddies.

Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.