Wilburn Junior "Creg" Cregmiles

''Creg" Cregmiles

FIELDON - Wilburn Junior "Creg" Cregmiles, 79, died at 8:26 a.m., Saturday, May 4, 2024 at his residence after a brief battle with ALS, with his wife and brother in-law at his side.

He was born at St. Joseph's Hospital in Alton, Illinois on January 8, 1945, the son of the late Wilburn M. and Ruby Ann (Gauntt) Cregmiles.

Creg was raised in the Grafton and Hardin areas, and attended Calhoun High School.  He immediately enlisted with the United States Navy serving in Vietnam, and also served as a Staff Sergeant with the Illinois Air National Guard.

After his discharge from the Navy, he began employment with McDonnell-Douglas Corporation in St. Louis, later pursuing a career in law enforcement.

He began his dedication to the public as a patrolman for the Grafton Police Department, before enrolling in the Tampa Police Academy in Tampa, Florida, where he graduated with top honors, receiving the Fraternal Order of Police’s Award of Merit for Outstanding Recruit in the 29th Recruit Class of the Academy.

He returned to Jersey County where he became employed as Chief Deputy Sheriff with the Jersey County Sheriff's Department, and also served as the Chief of Police for the City of Grafton.

After retiring from law enforcement, he pursued a career in the trucking industry where he was employed with a few different companies during his time.

Creg could accomplish whatever he set his mind to, and did it well. He was dedicated, loyal and talented in his pursuits, and treated all those around him with an open mind, as well as with a compassionate heart. He truly enjoyed serving others and making a positive difference. His passion in life was his family, his friends, and helping others.

Creg was proud of his service to the country he loved, and was currently the longest serving member, as well as the oldest, of the Grafton American Legion Post 648, and had previously served on the board of the Jersey County Review.

He married the love of his life, Cindy Malloy, on January 10, 1975 in Jerseyville, and together they have been blessed with 49 years of a wonderful and loving marriage.

Surviving are his wife, Cindy Cregmiles of Fieldon; a brother in-law, Jay Malloy (Chris Cook) of Atlanta, Georgia; a niece, Kelly Worley of San Antonio, Texas; a great nephew, Dawson Clarence Worley Spratlin of San Antonio, Texas; as well as a son from a previous marriage, Wilburn Junior Cregmiles.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father in-law and mother in-law, Gerald and Norma Malloy; and a sister in-law and brother in-law, Diane and Clarence Worley.

Family and Friends are invited to attend graveside services which will be conducted at 12 p.m., Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Oak Grove Cemetery, where military graveside rites will be conducted by the Grafton American Legion.

Immediately following the graveside, a celebration will continue for family and friends at the Grafton American Legion in Grafton, Illinois.

Memorials may be given to the ALS Association, in care of the funeral home. 

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