Mr. Sylvester George Lisk, age 56, of Opdyke, Illinois, ascended into heaven on November 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at his home. Sylvester was born on September 20, 1968, in Nashville, Illinois, to Jerome and Rita (Dudek) Lisk. He was the fifth of seven children and grew up alongside his siblings: Raymond, Patricia, Dean, Anne, Madalyn, and Christopher, all who he dearly loved.
Sylvester attended St. Ann Catholic School and Nashville Community High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served his country with honor and distinction. After completing his military service, Sylvester pursued higher education, earning his license in radiation therapy from Kaskaskia and Parkland Colleges. In this role, Sylvester worked full-time while finishing his education at Greenville University, enabling him to further contribute to his organization and patients. Sylvester’s dedication to his career was evident in his tireless efforts to improve the health and well-being of his patients, combining skill, compassion, and integrity in all that he did.
Sylvester met Jill Burnett in the summer of 1997, and they were married on September 20, 1998. Together, they raised two sons, Grant and Logan, who were the pride and joy of Sylvester’s life. His love for them was immeasurable, and he was incredibly proud of the young men they had become. Sylvester’s faithfulness and commitment to Jill and their family, in the sight of God, will forever inspire Grant and Logan as they carry forward his legacy of love, integrity, and faith.
Sylvester had a deep faith and trust in Jesus Christ. His faith was shared by the congregation as a member of Opdyke Missionary Baptist Church, where he enjoyed attending and serving. His love for people was demonstrated through his actions, and he was recognized for his kind nature, generous and humble heart, and commitment to others. He considered it a great privilege to worship with the Opdyke Baptist Church congregation, considered family, who he loved.
Sylvester had many hobbies and was an avid outdoorsman. He was an integral part of Burnett Farms, dedicating countless hours to the family business, demonstrating his love and respect for Glenn and Evelyn Burnett. A man of many talents, Sylvester excelled in building, creating, and leading, but above all, cherished spending time with his family.
Special memories were made with his brother, Raymond (Cindy) and his brother, Dean Lisk and his wife, Angie, as well as their children – Sawyer, Eben, and Hayden – and their spouses, Barret, Melissa, and Madalyn. These moments with his family were always a source of great joy for him.
Sylvester also held a deep affection for his extended family. He was especially close to his father and mother-in-law, Glenn and Evelyn Burnett, and his wife’s sisters, Cheryl Lynn and Shelley, along with their husbands, Gary Wilkerson (Cheryl Ann) and Monte Adams. He adored spending time with his nieces and nephews, including Dustin Schierbaum (Amber), Tayloy Marsh (Levi), and Zeb Adams (Tiffany), as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews: Hadley, Laytyn, and Wacey Schierbaum; Briggs and Blake Marsh; and Henry, Harlan, and Merritt Lisk. Their love and laughter brought happiness to his life.
Sylvester was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Raymond Lisk; sister-in-law, Cheryl Lynn Wilkerson; and father-in-law, Glenn Burnett. The memories and legacies of these loved ones, along with Sylvester’s own, will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Visitation will be held Friday, November 22, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 10:00 am at Opdyke Missionary Baptist Church in Opdyke. Interment will follow at Opdyke Cemetery. A Flag Presentation will be conducted by the American Legion Post #141 at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Opdyke Missionary Baptist Church to assist community members facing health challenges.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.