Galen Van "Woody" Woodsides, 74, of Du Quoin, passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021 at his residence after a battle with Parkinson's and complications from Covid 19.

He was born at Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin on August 12, 1946 to Charles Edward and Doris Loraine (Hutchings) Woodsides.

He met Judith Ann Brauer at Family Fun Restaurant in Carbondale where they worked. They married on August 21, 1965 at Carbondale, IL and were married for fifty-five years. They were parents of two lovely daughters and grandparents of two lovely granddaughters.

He attended Du Quoin Public Schools through the eighth grade then he went to Kankakee Public High School his freshman year. He returned to Du Quoin High School for his sophomore through senior years and graduated in 1964. He graduated from John A. Logan College with an Associates Degree in accounting and later received a Bachelors Degree in Education from Southern Illinois University in 1992.

He worked at Maid Rite Cafe in Du Quoin, Family Fun Restaurant in Carbondale, Zayre in Joliet, IL, Springfield, IL and Tuscaloosa, AL. He returned to Du Quoin and worked at Du Quoin Kroger for thirty-eight years. He worked in produce, dairy, frozen foods and was a cashier/office worker. He also was the scan coordinator for many years ordering groceries for local Kroger customers.

Galen was a Christian and a member of the Elkville Christian Church in Elkville, IL. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his wife - Judy of Du Quoin, daughter - Jennifer Harsy (Steve) of Jackson, TN, daughter - Courtney Woodsides of Du Quoin, granddaughter - Ashley Harsy of Starkville, MS, granddaughter - Hannah Harsy of Jackson, TN, sister - Sherry Stowers of Du Quoin, two nieces and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, in-laws - Peter and Ruth Brauer, two sisters-in-law - Sandra Brauer and Linda Hinds, and two brothers-in-law - Paul Stowers and Carl Hinds.

Per Galen's request, cremation rites were accorded with inurnment at the Sunset Memorial Park columbarium in Du Quoin.

Celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin, IL with Rev. Ron Kried officiating.

Friends may call from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service on Saturday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Friends may make memorials to the Elkville Christian Church and will be accepted at the church or the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.