Pastor Gary T. Linkous

Age 81 of Wilmington, Illinois, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at his home.

Born November 19, 1942 in Cabin Creek, West Virginia, Gary Thomas was the son of Malcolm and Hanna (Crawford) Linkous. Being a pastor’s son, he was raised in several states and would ultimately graduate from high school in Casper, Wyoming. On May 28, 1961, Gary married Elaine Thornton in Karns City, Pennsylvania, beginning a beautiful 62 years of marriage.

His calling to being a pastor struck him as a young man, growing up in the church. Gary pursued his theological studies through Trinity Theological Seminary and served many congregations over the years in Fertigs, Pennsylvania, Perry, Florida, Garden City, Michigan, Burbank, Illinois, Worth, Illinois, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Bessemer, Alabama. He also operated a Christian radio station, Daystar Radio, in Ocala, Florida for fifteen years. Gary’s call to ministry not only pulled him to serve as pastor in the United States. Through his congregation in Oklahoma City, he and his wife were sponsored missionaries, helping to establish new churches and other ministries in Russia, Ukraine, and Africa.

Gary was an ordained Bishop and life-long member of the Church of God of Prophecy, and cherished his role as pastor.  Most recently, he was a member of Abundant Life Fellowship in Wilmington.  Many considered him to be their pastor even after he had moved to a different location. He had a knack for making people feel special and befriended many over the years. Gary had a sharp wit and great sense of humor, and could often be found out on the golf course chasing another hole in one to add to his scorecard. He was blessed with a loving wife and family whom he cherished, and leaves behind a beautiful legacy for them to carry on.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine Linkous of Wilmington; three sons: Pastor Greg Linkous of Wilmington, Jeffery (Adriana) Linkous of Milton, Wisconsin, and Byron (Kirsten) Linkous of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren: Joshua (Sarah), Andrew (Brittany), Delaney, Manuela, Ben, Emma, Katie, and Claire; four great-grandchildren: Caleb, Autumn, Hannah, and Abigail; one brother, Larry (Sandra) Linkous of Titusville, Florida, two sisters-in-law: Anita (John) Leader of Charlotte, North Carolina and Jean Thornton of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law: Boyd and Sarah Marie Thornton; two brothers-in-law: Richard and Verlin Thornton; and one sister-in-law, Joy Thornton.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Abundant Life Fellowship, 23632 Illinois Route 113, in Wilmington on Friday, December 29, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of memorial service at 3:00 p.m.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Gary’s memorial page via social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements are being made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.