George "Sonny" C. Lishman Jr.

George “Sonny” Lishman, Age 84, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born May 12, 1939, in Sparland, Illinois to George and Rosa (Rebholz) Lishman. After graduating from Sparland High School, George joined the United States Navy.

He married Vicki Schlosser, December 31, 1974, and they shared over 50 years together and she survives in Sparland.

Also surviving are three Daughters: Regina Hickle (John Burke), Brandi Lishman-Mooberry (Corey) and Brittney Lishman.

Surviving grandchildren include Shaun (Mindy) Hickle, Paige Hickle, Matt (Brandi) Hickle, Josiah Hickle, Sierra (Jerod Sarver) Lishman, Kohl Dunshee, Elias (Larissa) Lishman, Gabriel and Leah Mooberry, Austin Hopper, Alexandra Billups, and Alex (Kristen) Burke.

Great-grandchildren are Keagan, Triton, Chloe, Shane, Brooklyn, Tyson, and Nova Hickle; Kade and Porter Sarver; Riley Lishman and Quinn and Emmett Burke.

Sonny’s surviving siblings are Beverly Bennett, Ronnie (Jeri) Lishman, Larry (Mary Lou) Lishman, Donna (Mike) Cline and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law Robert Bennett.

George was an avid outdoorsman, sports fan, and car enthusiast having refurbished countless classic cars, trucks, and antique vehicles.

George participated in softball and basketball leagues throughout his life and was a fierce competitor. On any given day you could come to the house and find him watching, sports, hunting shows or an old western.

As an outdoorsman you could find him, most days, casting a line, sitting in a goose pit with his buddies or nocking an arrow on an archery hunt. He took immense pride in an impressive double drop tine buck he had arrowed years ago.

Being outdoors was a passion exceeded only by his love for his family. George was the eldest son of George and Rosie Lishman. He was born in Sparland and lived there all his life, outside his service in the United States Navy. George was a Machinists Mate and proudly served from 1958-1962. Service to his country was a badge of honor he wore the remainder of this life.

Following his distinguished service in the Navy George was a Project Coordinator for the Prove Design Engine Division, where he continued his service for over 30 years.

At Caterpillar, George assumed and held many different titles over the years, but his favorite and most important were titles such as Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. These roles were reinforced an strengthened with his most distinguishing trait- his love for his entire family. George showed to all of them what unconditional love looks like by passing along a legacy of compassion. George instilled in each one of them that having a strong belief in yourself will guide you through life.

George will forever leave a void in places such as, his recliner, the head of the kitchen table, his spot with his friends at the diner, his seat on the boat or in the goose blind. Most importantly he will leave the biggest void in the hearts of all that knew and loved him.

Cremation rites have been accorded and there will be no services at this time. Online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com

Until we hunt again George may you have “Fair Winds and Following Seas”