Obituary of Avery E. English

Avery Eugene English was born April 11, 1932, in Hardin County, within the Catholic Church Community to Charles Frederick English and Olive Irene (Cowsert) English. Fred operated a farm while Olive managed household responsibilities.
Avery spent his childhood both playing and working on the family farm. While he did not have any siblings, he had many cousins to play with on the English, Cowsert, and Hayden side of the family. He would stay close to these cousins through the years. They were an important part of his life.
Despite being an excellent student, he was unable to complete his education due to challenging circumstances and subsequently began working on farms for others in the community. Despite not finishing school, Avery continued to pursue knowledge independently, displaying an aptitude for learning. He enjoyed reading.
On June 10, 1967, Avery married Virginia Louise (Lowry) Hamilton. Through this marriage, he joined a family that included three daughters: Darlene Hamilton, Rita (Hamilton) Mathews, and Tammy (Hamilton) Feazel, as well as his mother-in-law, Bertie, who lived next door. Avery adapted well to these new family dynamics and maintained a positive relationship with his mother-in-law.
Louise had seven siblings with spouses and several nieces and nephews. The Lowry/Showalter family was large and maintained regular contact. They frequently visited their mother, and it was always a home filled with laughter and stories during their visits.
Avery developed relationships with each of them. In 2005, Debra Lowry, Louise’s niece, relocated from California to Rosiclare. Debbie became like a granddaughter to him.
Avery and Louise attended Rosiclare United Methodist Church. When Avery’s health declined, he watched services on TV, maintaining his strong faith.
Between November 1950 and 1952, Avery was employed by his cousin Herbert English on his farm. Avery valued this period and sustained a close relationship with Herbert until his passing.
Avery served in the United States Army from November 21, 1952 to October 27, 1954, attaining the rank of Private First Class. He served during the Korean War. The war ended about 30 days after he landed in Korea. His principal assignment was with Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 15th Infantry, where he worked primarily within the transportation department. Avery’s experience operating trucks during his military service formed his later career decisions. His military service was recognized with several commendations, including the Korean Service Ribbon with Bronze Service Star, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Medal.
Following his military service, Avery returned to Hardin County. He briefly traveled north to visit relatives and seek employment, eventually working for General Motors. However, preferring a quieter environment, he returned to Southern Illinois and began working for different companies as a truck driver. One of the occupations he tried was as a school bus driver. He eventually went to work at Williams Quarry as a truck driver, where he spent many years and developed a strong relationship with the people there. He always talked highly of the Williams family. Following the sale of Williams Quarry, Avery continued his career with Rigsby and Barnard Trucking until his retirement.
After his retirement, Avery dedicated his time to spending quality moments with his family and pursuing fishing as a leisure activity. He frequently enjoyed outings on local creeks or rivers accompanied by friends and his sons-in-law. Avery bought a boat with Fred for their trips.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Louise, father, Charles Fredrick; mother, Olive Irene; and great-granddaughter, Gabriella Stevens.
He is survived by daughters, Darlene Hamilton, Rita (Larry) Mathews, and Tammy (Fred) Feazel; grandchildren , Michael (Lora) Mathews, Missy (Patrick) Presser, and Tiffany (Michael) Stevens; and great-grandchildren Elizabeth Mathews, Ari Mathews, Riley Presser, Ethan Presser, Layla Stevens, Logan Stevens, Paxtyn Stevens, and Adalynn Stevens.
Avery passed away peacefully Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Illinois Veteran’s Home of Anna.
The family acknowledges the excellent care provided by the doctors and staff of Hardin County General Hospital and Illinois Veteran’s Home of Anna during the last year of his illness.
Memorials may be made to the Hardin County General Hospital or Rosiclare United Methodist Church.
Graveside service were held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Cave-In-Rock, IL. Todd Carr conducted the service. Military Honors were presented by the Paul C. Rowan American Legion Post #571.

Published in the October 2, 2025 Hardin County Independent.

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