Emerson Gerard Kinnaman's Obituary
Emerson Gerard “E.G.” Kinnaman, age 82, of Charleston, IL, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on Thursday, November 20, 2025. He was born on June 3, 1943, in Mattoon, IL, the son of Lewis and Lucille (Burton) Kinnaman Jr. On December 1, 1962, he married Patricia Ann McClellan at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Sigel, IL. They shared 53 years of marriage before her passing on June 15, 2016.
E.G. is survived by his three daughters: Angie (Brent) Keller of Charleston, Marla (Dan) Tweit of Charleston, and Stacie (Al) Gollihar of Neoga. He also leaves behind six grandchildren—Ben (Erica) Coulter of Paxton, IL, Jamie (Joey) Turner of Charleston, Mandi (Silas) Hudson of Mattoon, Marissa (Chaise) Shropshire of Okinawa, Alison Gollihar of Neoga, and Katelynn Gollihar of Neoga, along with five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Roger (Rena) Leggitt of Springfield, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepparents, Pat Stark and Rex Starwalt, and his beloved wife.
E.G. graduated from Cumberland High School before attending trade school and beginning a long and dedicated career as an electronic journeyman with Ameren. His work took him many places, and he was known for his skill, steady nature, and strong work ethic.
A man of many interests, E.G. enjoyed living life with curiosity and appreciation for the world around him. He was a member of the (M.A.R.K.) Moultrie Amateur Radio Klub, known by the call sign AG9W. His other hobbies also included photography, mushroom hunting, fishing, gardening, watching hummingbirds and deer, and searching for antiques.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Father John Titus officiating. Burial will take place at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston.
Memorial contributions in E.G.’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Catholic Charities, 4217 Dewitt Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938.
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