PLEASANT PLAINS, IL – George "Poppy" Trader, 72, passed away Monday, March 30, 2020, at Memorial Medical Center.

He was born November 10, 1947, to Harvey and Mary (Phares) Trader. He married Shirley McKinley on April 17, 1986. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-daughter, Michele Rae Pierce; and step-sister, Julia Blake.

George drove an 18-wheeler most of his career. He was previously employed by Ramsey Trucking and later Whalen trucking for 30 years. He also worked numerous farming jobs for Heissinger farms. In his younger years, he enjoyed tinkering with anything with an engine. He was an avid Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. fan.  Most of all, he loved his family and his pets, Pluto, Sycra, Calypso, Binky, Tsubaki, Lightning, Jonesie and Cheesecake (his shadow). George was a country boy at heart and a man of great integrity and wisdom. Also, he was a very faithful family man. They broke the mold when he was born. They just don't make men like George anymore. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and fried. He will be missed dearly by all. 10-4 good buddy.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughters, Alisha (Adam) Fickas and twins, Adrianna Trader and Arianna Trader; step-daughters, Shawn Pierce, Geraldine Mangalavite, Angela Mangalavite, and Lorra (Brandon) Bechtel; grandsons, Christopher (Jessica) Talkington, Skylor Caruso, Skyler (Camden) Blisset, and Jordan Chapman; granddaughters, Michaellia Trader, Alexandria Noller, Jenna Fickas, Caitlynn Talkington, Gabriella Mangalavite, Aleijah "Mady" West, and Aivah "Sofia" Butcher; great-grandsons, Mayson Michael West, Calin Talkington and Chayton; great-granddaughters, Isabella, Anabella, Olivia and Shaniya; sisters, Charlotte (Edward) Abney and Janet (Delbert) Sinclair; sister-in-law, Patricia Schuller; and several nieces and nephews.

At this time, no services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Heart Association or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.