Minnis D. Essary, 86, formally of Viola, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at the Aledo Health and Rehab Center. Services for Mr. Essary will be 10 am, Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 28, 2016 from 4 to 7 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Minnis was born on February 14, 1930 in Conway, Missouri, a son of  William and Matilda Wilhite Essary. He married Dolores L. Brust on February 19, 1950 in Milan. She preceded him in death on August 22, 2003. Mr. Essary worked as a tractor repairman at International Harvester Farmall Works, Rock Island, retiring in 1986 after 37 years of service. After his retirement he enjoyed working on his farm. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. Minnis was a member of the Illinois Farm Bureau and the UAW local 1309. Survivors include his children, William (Marjorie) Essary, Saxonburg, PA., Edward (Patricia) Essary, Noblesville, IN., Kathy (Ronald) Black, Fairfax Station, Va., Robert Sr. (Annette) Essary, Viola, and Debra (Steven) Appelquist, Viola; 16 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and a brother, Lennie Essary, Lebanon, MO. Minnis was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and a son, Dennis Essary. Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com