Bruce D. Cavins, 89, of Du Quoin, passed away at 8:30 A.M., Friday, January 16, 2026 at his residence.
Bruce had been a coal miner at Freeman United Coal Mine #11.  He was a United States Marine Corps veteran.  Bruce was a member of the Du Quoin American Legion.  After serving in the Marines, Bruce moved back to Du Quoin and was a hard working man, often working 7 days a week for months at a time at the coal mines.  In his off time, he was an avid hunter of all animals and an excellent fisherman.  Bruce and his wife Diane were great dancers and won many dance contest around Southern Illinois over the years.  After retirement, Bruce loved being around his family, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren stole his heart and kept him young.  Bruce loved having cookouts - cheeseburgers and pork steaks were his favorites.  Most Friday nights, you could find him at the American Legion fish fry.
He was born June 13, 1936 in Du Quoin, IL, the son of George and Gladys (Isaacs) Cavins.
He married Dianna Lee Lashbrook on June 28, 1958 in Elkville, IL and she preceded him in death on January 28, 2022.
He is survived by three children - Jack Cavins and wife Terri of Du Quoin, Bruce D. Cavins, Jr. and wife Cassie of Carterville, and Patricia Cavins-Pena and husband Pete of Johnston City, IL, grandchildren - Ashley Tonyan Schwartz of Arizona, Jeff Wilson of Du Quoin, Cody Cavins of Du Quoin, Alexis Cavins and fiancé Logan Phillips of Energy, Dustin Jones and fiancé Amber Bramlett of Du Quoin, and Kourtney Pena-Coffey and husband Brendan of St. Louis, MO, and great grandchildren - Jacob Scholebo, Hunter Jones, Drake Jones, and Atla Schwartz.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and three sisters - Elaine Provenzano, Lillian Newman, and Georgia Zabel.
Per Bruce's request, cremation rites will be accorded.
There will be no public visitation or funeral service.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.