George A. “Deke” Fernandez

George A. “Deke” Fernandez, 66, died on Friday, December 24, 2021 at Reflections in Chatham. He was born on June 27, 1955 to Ansell “Andy” Fernandez and Loreta (Awbrey) Fernandez. He married the love of his life Catherine “Cathy” Talkington on August 21, 1999 at St. Mary’s Church in Farmersville, Illinois and she survives.

He is also survived by one daughter, Elizabeth Fernandez of New Berlin; two sons, Travis (fiancé Mariah Gatherall) Fernandez of Ferndale, WA and Damion (Renee) Fernandez of Bellingham, WA, stepson, Josh (companion Julie Rowden) Witkowski of Springfield, four grandchildren: Paige, Izzy, Leo and Killian; one great-grandchild, J.J., one sister, Lela Mae (Mike) Haesaert of Jacksonville, NC, special niece, Deborah Warden and his best furry friend, miniature Dachshund, Bitzy, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Deke was born in Springfield and raised in Loami. He graduated from New Berlin High School, class of 1973. He also graduated from LLCC. He worked as a Sergeant for the Illinois Department of Corrections where he retired after 21 years of service. He loved bowling, riding Harleys, was an avid Cardinals fan, a drummer for many years in central Illinois and most of all loved playing in the “City Limits” band. Cathy and Deke enjoyed traveling together and also many Cardinal baseball games.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ansell Wayne “Bud” Fernandez.

Visitation: 9 – 11 am, Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield,

Funeral Service: 11:00 am, Thursday, December 30, 2022 as Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Chaplain Tim Haworth officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association and American Cancer Society.

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