Dennis Raymond Gass

Dennis Raymond "Dink" Gass, 64, died at 9:53 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 2014, in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Dink, as most knew him, was born April 6, 1950 in Villisca, Iowa to Hazel(Stonescipher) and George Gass. Both preceded him in death. In the spring of 1983, Dink met the love of his life, Billie Pritchett, and they remained life companions for 24 years prior to her death in January of 2008. Dink is also preceded in death by his brother Henry "Hank" Gass and best friend William "Tuffy" Schmellmyer. Dink was a graduate of St. Andrew Grade School and Murphysboro High School where he was an active member of the FFA. His studies and love of the land helped him decide to choose farming as his life-long trade. He had an incredibly strong work ethic and enjoyed working along side his father, George, and brother Dale tilling the land, harvesting, baling hay, and raising cattle and hogs. Dink and his family participated in water and soil conservation programs in Jackson County and were honored for their work. To Dink, nothing was better than being on the farm except spending time with his family, children, grandchildren, or maybe watching the Cardinals play ball. Nearly every person Dink met, he would call 'friend' and would 'walk a country mile' to help them. He spent a lifetime giving to others and helping anyone in need. He was a happy, gentle man who had an infectious smile and an undeniable laugh (snicker) that will not be duplicated. Dink was one who believed a person was only as good as their word and firm hand shake. He will be so missed by all who knew him and/or loved him. He was deeply rooted in his Catholic faith and was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Murphysboro. Dink is survived by his step-children, daughter and son-in-law, Tracey and Donald Kissel of Elkhart, IN; daughter and son-in-law, Billie and Jeffrey Phillips of Du Quoin; and son Paul Rushing of Steeleville; six step-grandchildren, Kellie Flores (husband Alex) of Ava; Olivia and Isabella Phillips of Du Quoin; Johnathon Reiman of Du Quoin, Lacey Rushing of Alto Pass, Jodie Wright (husband Aaron) of Du Quoin; six step-great grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Valerie Gass of Oraville; nephew, Bryce (wife Monica) Jacquot of Murphysboro and nephew, Sonny (wife Jackie) Gass of Murphysboro. Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Murphysboro with Father Gary Gummersheimer and Father Augustine Ibezimako officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Pettett Funeral Home in Murphysboro and a rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Memorials may be made to St. Bruno Catholic School or St. Andrew Catholic Church.

Dennis Raymond Gass

April 6, 1950 - June 29, 2014