Carlos L. Biellier, 96, of Vandalia, IL, passed away peacefully at 1:42 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Sarah Bush Lincoln/Fayette County Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Honoring his wishes for cremation, his funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Vandalia, IL with Pastor Curtis Flake officiating. Interment will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia, IL with military rites by Crawford-Hale American Legion Post #95, Vandalia, IL & Brownstown VFW Post #9770. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Youth Groups or the Vandalia Festival of Lights. Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL, is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.

Carlos was born January 4, 1927, in Bois D'Arc, MO, the son of Elijah Dee and Bonnie Lee (Sifferman) Biellier. He was a graduate of Mt. Vernon, Missouri High School. He married Rowena Katherine Ghan on June 4, 1951 in Ozark, MO. Together they had three children. Carlos and Rowena were married 60 years before her passing on November 12, 2011.

Carlos retired in 1992 after 34 years as a District Manager for LaRoche Industries (formerly USS Steel Agri Chemical/Armour). He traveled many years as a top-selling fertilizer broker throughout Missouri and Illinois and ended his career operating the fertilizer depot in Granite City, IL.

Carlos was a proud WWII and Korean War veteran. He enlisted in the Merchant Marines in 1945 at the age of 18 and served two years. After training in Sheep Head Bay, NY, he served on five liberty ships as an oiler taking supplies to troops in Europe. He was discharged in 1947 and attended college at Southwest State Technical College before transferring to University of Missouri. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1952. He re-enlisted in the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served in North Korea (1952-1954) as a Forward Air Observer in the DMZ for the field artillery battalion. He was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant prior to discharge.

Carlos was active in many community organizations throughout his life including, member of First United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #95, and VFW. He was a former member of the Vandalia Moose Lodge, Masonic Temperence Lodge, and a charter member of the Vandalia Country Club. He had many hobbies and talents: hunting, fishing, golf, gardening, canning, cross-stitching, jig saw puzzles, and card playing. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and spent many winters as "snow birds" in Gulf Shores, AL. He loved spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren's sporting events.

Mr. Biellier is survived by his children, Mark (Michele) Biellier of Beach, ND, Carla (Richard) Knebel, of Vandalia, IL, and Chris (Diane) Biellier of Prophetstown, IL; grandchildren, Blake Biellier, Cassie (Terry) Beesley, Toni, Keely (Dan) Nelson, Travis (Emily) Knebel, Cameron (Brittany) White, Caleb (Stephanie) Biellier, Quentin (KD) Topping, and Carter Biellier; 10 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; sister, Dorothy Frieze of Osage Beach, MO.

He is preceded by his parents; wife, Rowena; brother, Harold Biellier; and grandson, Lucas M. Knebel.