Lionel P. Gutierrez

Lionel P. Gutierrez, 87, of San Francisco, CA, died peacefully at the home of his niece in Galesburg, on December 30, 2016. Lionel was born May 5, 1929 in Galesburg, the son of Julio and Josephine Martinez Gutierrez. He attended and graduated from Galesburg High School. He retired from Saks Fifth Ave. after 40 year career. Lionel was a Jehovah Witness and strongly believed in his faith. He loved to go out to eat and take vacations. Lionel is survived by one sister, Mary Louise Calk of Palm Spring, CA; one brother, Manuel Gutierrez of Galesburg; one nephew, Dean Lopez; two nieces, Becky (Rigoberto) Avila and Lori (Tony) Luna-Rochelle; two great nephews, Eric Elias and Rodney Luna-Metz; and two great great nieces, Avianah and Eliciah Elias. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Rebecca Preston and Norma Luna; and one brother, Henry Gutierrez. Cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held Monday, January 2, 2017 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the home of his niece, Becky Avila, 286 Indiana Ave., Galesburg, IL. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the family in care of Becky Avila. On-line expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.