GOLCONDA, Ill. — Earl Melvin Gaskins, 84, went to live with his Lord Sunday, January 20, 2013, at the Hardin County Hospital, Rosiclare, Ill.

Earl was born to Cressie Gaskins and Gertrude Conley on April 19, 1928, in Golconda, Ill.

He married Norma Jeanne Gullett December 25th, 1946. They have three sons, Gregory (Amy), Richard (Chiquita), of East Moline, Ill., and Douglas (Mary) of Houston, Texas. They have five grandchildren, Heidi, Carrie, Richie, Zachary, and Max. They have four great-grandchildren.

Earl graduated from Bush Diesel School of St. Louis, then moved to East Moline, Ill., and worked at John Deere Harvester, East Moline as a mechanic. He was an active member and Deacon of Wildwood Baptist Church in East Moline.

In 1999, Earl returned to his hometown of Golconda, Ill., and was a member of First Baptist Church of Golconda. He loved his Lord, as well as his friends at church, Rotary and The Golden Circle.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and brother, Carroll Gaskins.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 23, 2013, at the First Baptist Church, Golconda, Ill., at 11 a.m. with Reverend Jeremiah Burdon officiating.

Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Golconda. Visitation will be at the Aly Funeral Home in Golconda, Tuesday, January 22, 2013, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.