Evelyn I. Furry

CHARLESTON, IL – Evelyn Irene Furry, age 87 of Charleston, received the blessed promise of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 as she joined her family in their Heavenly Home. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2019 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. The Funeral Service, honoring and celebrating her life, will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the funeral chapel with Pastors White Lauwers and Matthew Froeschle officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. Donations in her honor may be made to Lincolnland Hospice and left at the visitation/service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

Evelyn was born in Coles County, Illinois on April 1, 1932, a daughter of the late Ralph and Beaulah (Story) Bumpus. She was a young girl of 14 and Carl was 16 when they met at the Loxa Presbyterian Church in the summer of 1946; but even then, Evelyn knew they were destined to marry. She married the love of her life, Carl E. Furry on January 31, 1950, and they enjoyed the blessings of 67 years of marriage prior to his death on April 27, 2017. Evelyn is survived by her sons, Duane Furry and wife Carol of Charleston, Keith Furry and wife Ruth of Mattoon, and Brian Furry and wife Rebecca of Charleston; twelve grandchildren, April Hutchcraft, Amber Furry, Dustin (Brandi) Furry, Hollie (Dennis) Baltzel, Linze (Curt) Niemeyer, K. Landon Furry, Jamie Johnson, Nicholas (Candace) Gates, Bryant Furry and fiancé Micah Siebert, Brandon Furry, Brent Furry, and Blake Furryand wife Taylor (Culp) Furry; 15 great-grandchildren, her brother, Martin Bumpus; two sisters-in-law, Elsie Carter and Julia Furry; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded by her sister, Wanda Furry and brother-in-law, William “Bill” Furry, two sisters-in-law, Betty Newby and Elaine Bumpus; and two brothers-in-law, Bob Newby and Charles Carter.

The first ten years of their married life were spent working the farm. The couple expanded their business ventures in 1961 when they purchased a grain elevator in Loxa and established Furry Grain Company, Inc. DKB. H & F Trucking was also founded and operated until 1987. Evelyn and Carl then partnered with son, Keith and his wife Ruth, and Furry Sons Warehouse opened following the purchase of the Columbia Machine Building on East DeWitt Avenue in Mattoon – a business Keith and Ruth still operate today.

Throughout her life, Evelyn was involved not only with the family businesses but was extremely active in community activities as well as politics. Her attention to every detail made her a master at hosting business, political, fundraising or family events. Evelyn and Carl were members of the Loxa Presbyterian Church where she served as church pianist for 20 years. They later moved their membership to the First Presbyterian Church in Mattoon. She was a member and past president of the Charleston Women’s Club and the Illinois Republican Women’s Club. The highlight of her political involvement was the “Meet and Greet” that she and Carl hosted at their home for future President Ronald Reagan in March of 1980 and attending his inauguration in January of 1981.

Evelyn’s family was always her priority. She and Carl purchased an airplane in 1974 and they were able to visit many destinations throughout the United States and the Bahamas. Evelyn considered it at honor to be Carl’s co-pilot both in the airplane and in life. Evelyn loved to host family dinners, especially at the holidays. Her dining table would seat 18 and at Christmas was decorated with a train which she would start and stop to where you were seated, from which you could select such items as olives, pickles or apple butter.

Evelyn’s devotion and dedication to those she loved was unquestionable and it provided them with a solid foundation and a glowing example for living their own lives. The many cherished memories of Evelyn shared by her family and many friends will serve as a comfort as they fondly remember this special woman who so lovingly and dearly touched their hearts.

Funeral Service
The funeral service, honoring and celebrating the life of Evelyn Furry was held at 11:00 a.m. on October 19, 2019 at Adams Funeral Chapel with Pastor Whit Lauwers and Reverend Matthew Froeschle officiating. Musical selections included "In The Garden", "Amazing Grace", "How Great Thou Art", "Far Side Banks of Jordan" and "Old Rugged Cross". Evelyn's sons, Keith Furry and Brian Furry both gave eulogies sharing memories of their mother and Brian shared a note written by Evelyn to Carl. The service closed with videos of Evelyn at her home playing the piano and sharing her love for music. Burial followed in Roselawn Cemetery - Charleston. Pallbearers were: Landon Furry, Brandon Furry, Blake Furry, Bryant Furry, Brent Furry and Martin Bumpus.

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