Gene Leon Elliott, 90 of Rantoul, died at 8:20 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells Street, Paxton with Rev. Aaron Dawson officiating.  Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton.

Visitation will be two hours before the service on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Gene was born January 27, 1935 in Urbana the son of Oliver J. and Anna Martin Elliott.  He married Lila Mae Saldeen July 24, 1955.  She preceded him in death May 23, 1995.  He married Loretta Frerichs Fruhling December 28, 1996.  She survives.

Along with his wife, Loretta, he is survived by one son, Doug Elliott of Loda; three daughters, Cathy (Randy) Scudder of Rantoul, Teri (Jeff) Reuschel of Golden, Cindy (Jim) Albert of Cartersville, Georgia; four step children, Julian (Tami) Fruhling of Scottsdale, AZ, Janine Fruhling Petersak of Danville, Jeffrey Fruhling of Homer, Jay (Julie) Fruhling of Catlin; 5 grandchildren, 10 step grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 25 step great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Lila.

Gene graduated from Paxton High School in 1953.  He spent his entire life doing what he loved, farming.

He was a member of the American Lutheran Church, Rantoul.  Gene was a former Paxton School Board member and a former Loda fireman volunteer.  He was a Chicago Cubs fan.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.