George Reader

DIAMOND—George M. Reader, 90, of Diamond, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026 at the Gardens at Park Pointe in Morris.
He was born on March 11, 1936 in Mazon, to George L. and Mildred (nee Brooks) Reader. He grew up in the Mazon area and attended Gardner schools. George married Joan Mallaney on March 13, 1965. He worked for the Papermill for several years then worked as a process operator at Lyondell for 19 years until his retirement.
A proud citizen of the town he settled in, he became known as “Diamond George.” Even when he could no longer drive, George would ride his scooter to the Whistle Stop restaurant twice a day for coffee and to socialize. He enjoyed his yard and flowers and was happy to share the fruits of his labor in his vegetable garden with family and friends. George was known to be a veteran card player. He would convince family to play Euchre saying “Let’s play 2 out of 3” …but the games would always turn into many more. He also loved playing Rummy with his grandchildren. An active man, George took pleasure in fishing and camping with his family and friends.
He is survived by his daughters: Denise (Clay) Webb, Millie (Dave) Henderson, Buffy (Jeff) Blanton; his son, George A. (Cara) Reader; his step-daughters: Cindy Born, Debbie (Dean) Marketti and Carol (Neil) Krull; his grandchildren: Brandy (Joe) Scheer, Briana (Eric) Franciskovich, Shane Webb, Sandy Haddon, Molly (Tony), Ryan (Kasia), Kailee, Mark (Taylor), Jack (Angelina), Lauren, Megan, Allison, Alaina, Maci and Cade; several great-grandchildren and his brother-in-law, William Weaver. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Joan Reader in 2015 and his brothers and sisters: Roy (Berniece) Reader, Kenneth (Vivian) Reader, Rita (Glen) Oakland, Vivian (Harry) Burke, Wanda (Buck) Peterson, Viola (Donald) Shoemaker, Shirley Weaver, and infant brother Donald Reader.
Memorial donation may be made to the Coal City United Methodist Church, 6801 East McArdle Road, Coal City, IL 60416.
Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026 at the Ferrari Funeral Chapel, 1044 Ferrari Drive, Coal City, IL 60416.
Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, also at the Ferrari Funeral Chapel with Pastor Bradley Watkins officiating. Burial will follow at Braceville Gardner Cemetery.
Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.ferrarifuneral.com.