Byron Gail Busby, 84, of Pawnee, Ill., died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at his home. Byron was born June 23, 1929, in Jeiseyville, Ill., the son of Jesse G. and Minnie R. Morgan Busby. He married Mildred L. Hoehn in Nokomis, Ill., on Feb. 3, 1948. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Susan Busby Becker, in 1987; his son Byron L. "Louis" Busby, in 2009; a grandson Shawn Busby in 2007; and two brothers, Miles and Wesley Busby. Byron retired as an assistant supervisor at Peabody Coal #10 in 1985 with more than 30 years of service, and he was a member of United Mine Workers of America Local 9819. Byron enjoyed spending time with his family, and he loved his grandkids and great- grandkids. He was an avid fan of St. Louis Cardinal's baseball and Illini basketball, and he loved to fish. Byron also was a master gardener. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Midge, of Pawnee; a daughter, Marge (husband, Brent) Adams of Divernon, Ill.; two sons, Stephen G. Busby of Kincaid, Ill., and James A. (wife, Rita) Busby of Pawnee; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Troy of Springfield, Ill. and Jerry, of Florida; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial gathering will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at the Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee. Burial will be at Horse Creek Cemetery in Pawnee at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pawnee Food Pantry. The family of Byron Busby is being served by Curry Funeral Home. Visitation: Friday, Dec. 13, 2013 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Curry Funeral Home 407 Carroll St. Pawnee, Illinois