Eugene “Bluegrass” Dwyer, age 82, of rural Marion, IL passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at 4:25 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at his home.

He was born on Monday, July 29, 1935 in Drakesboro, KY of Muhlenberg County the son of Robert Virgil Lee “V.L.” and Mary Susan (Scarbrough) Dwyer.

He was first united in marriage to Sue Willoughby in Kentucky and to this union three children were born; Steve, Debbie and David. He later was united in marriage to Marjorie Richey in Indiana and to this union a daughter Genea was born. He later was united in marriage to Margaret Louise (Turnage) Montgomery on Thursday, July 2, 1987 in Marion, IL and together they have shared nearly 31 years of marriage.

Early in his working career he worked for Inland Steel Mill in Hammond, IN for about 15 years. In the mid 1960’s he moved to the area and began his coal mining career. He worked for several mines of the area including; Bluebird Mine near Dykersburg, IL, Harrisburg Coal Mine near Harrisburg, IL, Peabody Eagle No. 2 Mine near Shawneetown, IL, Zeigler Coal No. 4 Mine near Johnston City, IL, Morris Coal No. 5 Mine near Pittsburg, IL, Inland Steel Coal Mine near McLeansboro, IL and Brushy Creek Coal Mine near Galatia, IL. When the Brushy Creek Mine closed in 1995 he decided to end his career in mining. He also was involved in farming and raising cattle most of his lifetime.

Eugene loved the LORD and was a faithful Christian always willing to witness to those he came in contact with. He was a member and trustee of the Marion Freewill Baptist Church and currently was attending with his family at Arnold View Freewill Baptist Church located southeast of Marion. He was actively involved in the development and management of Camp Jericho located near Goreville, IL. He also was a member of the United Mine Workers District 12 Local Union No. 2420 and a member of the Williamson County Farm Bureau.

In his spare time when he was younger he enjoyed waterskiing, coon hunting and bird and deer hunting. He also enjoyed gardening and traveling to many areas of the country pulling his 5th Wheel Camper to camp and making many new friends who he met. His large family was a very important part of his life. He was always interested in all of their many activities and enjoyed going to all of their events. The many memories created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Dwyer of Marion; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Robbie (Blumenstock) Dwyer of Marion; daughter and son-in-law, Genea and Scott Allred of Fredericksburg, VA; four grandchildren, Brandon Dwyer and his wife Bethany of Pittsburg, IL, Jason Dwyer and his wife Heather of Marion, Christinia Brisson and her husband Chad of Benton, IL and Christopher Roberson and his wife Alisha of Fredericksburg, VA; five great grandchildren, Lucianna Isabel Dwyer, Allie Jane Dwyer, Mya Roseanna Dwyer, Skyler Lewis and Selena Brisson; brother, Robert Dwyer of Galatia, IL; three sisters, Betty Crick of Madisonville, KY, Maggie Phelps and her husband Mike of Greenville, KY and Ruby Vance and her husband John of Earlson, TX; stepdaughter, Rowena Montgomery of Paducah, KY; stepson, James “J.C.” Montgomery of Pinckneyville, IL; step daughter-in-law, Pam Montgomery of Marion; ten step grandchildren, Staci Vess and her husband Chase of Frederiksberg, VA, Sarah Forby of Goreville, IL, Aaron Smith of Goreville, IL, Rindi Brainard and her husband Josh of Warrensburg, MO, Mandi Goins and her husband Ben of Herrin, IL, Caleb Montgomery of Goreville, IL, Danny Montgomery and his wife Marie of Jacksonville, FL, Leah June Sadlo and her husband Andrew of Orange Park, FL, Jonathon Montgomery of Anna, IL and Michelle Montgomery of Marion; fourteen step great-grandchildren, Shea Forby, Emma Forby, Shanley Smith, Tealy Smith, Aiden Brainard, Haven Randolph, Elijah Brainard, Leyton Goins, Lexi Goins, Dakota Montgomery, Guilianna Montgomery, James Morales, Anthony Morales, Joseph Morales, many nieces and nephews, other extended family, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David Dwyer; daughter, Debbie Dwyer; two sisters, Bessie Ryhe and Nell Davis and stepson, Duco Montgomery, III.

Arrangements for Eugene “Bluegrass” Dwyer have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion.

The visitation will be on Friday, May 18th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Rev. Ivan Ryan presiding.

Interment will follow in Cana Cemetery located on Route 166 southeast of Marion.

For those who prefer memorial contributions may be made to “Camp Jericho” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

For additional information, complete family information or to leave an online condolence of memory please visit our website at www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.