George Lee Hively

George Lee Hively, age 92, of Barry, IL passed away peacefully Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Barry Healthcare and Assisted Living, Barry, IL.  He was born to David and Mary Smith Hively on September 17, 1930 in Barry, IL. He married his wife of 67 years, Rosalea “Rosie” Harris on March 1, 1956, and she survives.

George was a lifetime resident of Barry, IL, attending Barry High School.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  He worked for the City of Barry for 17 years, then worked for St. Mary’s Hospital in Quincy, IL for 5 years. He then went to work for General Mills as a boiler operator and retired in 1995. 

George was a big Cardinals baseball fan and loved watching them on TV along with old Westerns. He enjoyed hunting in earlier years and mushroom hunting as well. He liked doing puzzle books but really loved sitting on his porch and watching the world go by.  George had a sweet tooth and especially enjoyed ice cream and pie. He will be remembered as being ornery, but happy go lucky and very loveable. He loved his grandchildren and they loved him back- they were the icing on his cake.

He is survived by; his loving wife, Rosie Hively of Barry, IL ; children, Debra Walton of Barry, IL, Mike (Sherry) Hively of Barry, IL, and Mark (Niki) Hively of Pittsfield, IL; Nine grandchildren, Shawna Sell (Jeff), Jason Walton (Julia), Luke Hively, Izack (Amber) Hively, Carlee (Ryan) Jobe, Aleck Hively, Erick Hively, and Holden Hively, and Ava Hively; seven great grandchildren, Kelloen Walton, Morgan Sell, Helena Dulaney, FynLee Hively, Beckham Hively, Emmerson Jobe and baby girl Jobe; brothers in law, Joe Harris, and Russell (Imogene)Harris, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by; parents David and Mary Hively; mother-in-law, Goldie Inman, brothers Floyd “Donk” Hively, Raymond “Bing” Hively, David “Bud” Hively, and Carl Eugene “Gene” Hively; sister, Mary Elizabeth “Lib” Hively; and several in-laws.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 5:00- 7:00 P.M. at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL. Funeral service will be Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. A military service will be conducted by the US Army Honor Guard and the Barry American Legion #222 at the graveside. Interment to follow at Parklawn Cemetery in Barry, IL.  Memorials are suggested to the Barry Healthcare and Senior Living and the Alzheimer’s Association.  Online condolences may be left to the family at nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL is handling the arrangements.