Gary Joseph Held

Gary Joseph Held, 77, of Raymond, IL, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Arc of Sangamon Valley in Springfield, IL. He was born on February 19, 1948, in Litchfield, IL, the son of the late Joseph George and Eugenia Mae (Gilpin) Held. Gary married Terry Jo Reed in 1973, and they later divorced. He married Janet Irene Hough on January 14, 1995, in Raymond, IL, and she preceded him in death in November of 2017.

Gary proudly and selflessly served his county in the Navy and was stationed on the USS Forrestal. Following his service, Gary worked as a tire builder at Bridgestone in Decatur, IL for 29 years before retiring. He was strong in his faith and was an active member of St. Raymond Catholic Church and St. Maurice Catholic Church in Morrisonville. He was also a member of the Morrisonville American Legion and Morrisonville Knights of Columbus.

When Gary wasn’t working, he loved spending time working in his garden and was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Illini Basketball, and the Chicago Bulls. In his younger years, he played men’s softball. Gary also enjoyed attending car shows, John Deere tractors, and farming. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and is dearly missed.

Gary is survived by his daughter: Jodi (Ed) Springer of Tremont, IL; sons: Justin Held of Morrisonville, IL; and Damon (Lauren) Held of Auburn, IL; grandchildren: Christian, Dylan, Reed, and Adler; great-grandson: Braxtyn; brothers: Bill (Bev) Held of Raymond, IL; Donnie (Elaine) Held of Farmersville, IL; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Eugenia Held; his wife: Janet Held; a sister: Gloria Stockham; and his brother: Gerald Held.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 10:00-12:00 p.m. at St. Raymond Catholic Church in Raymond, IL. Funeral Mass will begin at 12:00 p.m. with Father Florent Kenga officiating. A prayer service will take place before the visitation at 9:30 a.m. Interment with graveside military honors will follow at St. Raymond Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials in Gary’s honor may be made to either St. Raymond Catholic Church or to Raymond Ambulance Service.