Harry Paul McQuinn of Glen Carbon, Ill., left this world too early at age 90 on Sept. 5, 2022. He was born Jan. 14, 1932, in a four-room house in Christopher, Ill., the son of the late Leslie Thomas and Mary Alice McMackin McQuinn. Harry graduated from Christopher High School and the then newly formed Institute of Aviation at the University of Illinois, Champaign, where he joined the Air National Guard. While serving, he was sent to do some work for a general in Cairo, Ill., and met his future wife, Evlyn Hall. She tells the story of being asked to go on a double date with Harry and demurring until she saw his photo, and then she couldn't wait. Harry was later stationed in Germany during the Korean War, working on military planes. Returning to Illinois, Harry and Evlyn married and moved to Edwardsville, where they became lifelong members of First Christian Church and had two sons, David and Daryl. Harry's entire career was at Walston Aviation in Bethalto, Ill., where he was an expert in avionics.

Harry was quick to lend a hand to anyone in need, and could and would fix just about anything. In addition to his keen interest in real airplanes, Harry loved building and flying RC planes, and would teach anyone who was interested how to fly them. He also enjoyed collecting various things, especially clocks and watches, pocket knives and small tools, and would frequently give them away to those who expressed an interest. In his later years, Harry had his "route" around Edwardsville, and was friendly with the staff at Walmart (where his family teased him he should be a greeter) and many other places in town. His bright blue eyes, quick smile and clever banter made everyone a friend.

In addition to Evlyn, his wife of 68 years, mourning Harry are his sons, David and Daryl; daughters-in-law, Lynne and Liz; four grandsons, Michael (Allison), Andrew, Ryan (Sarah) and Matthew; and four great-grandchildren, Felix, Nolan, Carson and Piper.  Also mourning are his surviving in-laws, Benard Hall, Alma Fussell, Martha Hall and Carolyn Case, and numerous much-loved nephews and nieces. His life wouldn't have been as sweet without Barb Small, who was like a daughter to him, and special friends, Auggie Campagna and John Stirnaman. A slew of other friends and family, and a host of people around the Glen Carbon and Edwardsville area, are also missing Harry today. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Les and his wife Betty; in-laws Eleanor Hall, Bill Fussell, Bill and Gladys (Hall) Purkel, Carl Hall and John Case; and nieces Sharrey Case and Shirley Greathouse.

Visitation for Harry will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at Sunset Hill-Herr Funeral Home, 50 Fountain Dr., Glen Carbon.  A celebration of his life is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at First Christian Church, 310 S. Main Street, Edwardsville, followed by fellowship at the church. There will be a private entombment at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to First Christian Church or the charity of your choice. He'd also really like it if you could take an extra minute to say hello and give a smile to the person serving you food or helping you at a store.