CONLEY TOLLEY
(1919 - 2005)
PEORIA - Conley Tolley, 85, formerly of 1214 E. Norwood died at 7:18 a.m., Monday, March 21, 2005 at Rose Garden Care Center in Peoria Heights.
Born July 2, 1919 in Hampton, Tennessee to Charley and Jossie Stephens Tolley, he married Edith Carlson on September 15, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Surviving are 1 daughter, Judy (Bob) Blase of Grand Rapids, Minnesota; 1 step-son, James (Linda) Brown of Pekin; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Dora Isaacs of Peoria, who cared for him before he was admitted to the nursing home.
He was preceded in death by 2 sons, James Tolley and Michael Tolley; and 1 sister.
Mr. Tolley was the chef at the Country Club of Peoria for many years, retiring in 1981. Previously, he had been co-owner of the Cliftwood Inn in Morton for many years.
He served in the U.S. Army Air Transport Command during World War II. He was a member of the Executive Chefs Association of Illinois and enjoyed fishing.
He was a member of Our Savior's Chapel in Peoria.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, March 24, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Rev. Ken Yocum will officiate. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to services at the funeral home. Private burial will be in Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior's Chapel, 200 E. Oak Cliff Ct., Peoria, IL 61614.
LEONARD A. MARTIN, JR.
(1930 - 2005)
WASHINGTON - Leonard Allen Martin, Jr., 74, of 614 Spring Street, died at 2:10 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2005 at his home.
Born June 12, 1930 in Phil Campbell, Alabama to Leonard Allen Sr. and Pearl Elizabeth Wood Martin, he married Betty Jane Bluhm on May 4, 1952 in Morton. She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Rev. Bob A. (Debbie) Martin and Rev. Steven J. Martin, Sr., both of Washington; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Inez Marks of Phil Campbell, Alabama and Phyllis (Manley) Peppers of Florence, Alabama.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister (Ruby Keaton), and one brother (J.C. Martin).
Mr. Martin worked for Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria. He then worked for LeTourneau-Westinghouse which later became WABCO in Peoria as an electrician in the maintenance department for a total of 37 years, retiring February of 1995. Following retirement he worked in security in Florence, Alabama from 1996 to 2000.
He was a member of Grace Fellowship in rural Metamora. He was a former member of Faith Christian Centre in Washington, First Assembly of God in Pekin, and Faith Tabernacle in Florence, Alabama.
During the 1950's, he sang on the radio. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was a University of Alabama Crimson Tide football fan.
Funeral services will be at noon Thursday, March 24, 2005 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Bob A. Martin and Rev. Steven J. Martin, Sr., his sons, will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Fellowship, 1250 Nofsinger Road, Metamora, Illinois 61548 or the Apostolic Christian Home for the Handicapped, 2125 Veterans Road, Morton, Illinois 61550.
JACK N. DOWNS
(1936 - 2005)
SOUTH PEKIN - Jack N. Downs, 69, of 309 East Main Street, died at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, March 20, 2005 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Born March 18, 1936 in Lovington to Kenneth Charles and Emma Bonnette Stanley Downs, he married Joanne Paddick.
Surviving are one daughter, Jennifer Jo (Barry) King of Arcola; one son, Jeffery Jerome (Kelly) Downs of Neoga; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one sister, Doris M. Downs of Savoy; several nieces and nephews; and friends, Donna and David Svendsen of Pekin, who helped care for him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter (Jalena Jill Downs), two brothers (William B. Downs and Harold Dee Downs), and two sisters (Ruby Brys and JoAnn Sieh).
He attended a one room school north of Atwood and graduated from Atwood-Hammond High School and later Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.
Mr. Downs was an interior decorator in the Central Illinois area for many years and also operated J. D. Studios in Arcola in the late 1960's.
He was a member and elder of the First United Presbyterian Church in Pekin.
He enjoyed gardening, landscaping, music, and drama.
There will be a private service at a later date. Cremation will be accorded.
Arrangements are by the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church, 1717 Highwood Avenue, Pekin, Illinois 61554, Central Illinois Friends of PWA, Inc., P.O. Box 5022, Peoria, Illinois 61601-5502, or to the University of Illinois College of Medicine, One Illini Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61605.
MARTHA WRIGHT
(1931 - 2005)
PEKIN - Martha Joyce Wright, 73, of 2501 Allentown Road, died at 10:10 a.m. Friday, March 18, 2005 at Hallmark House Nursing Center in Pekin. She was formerly of 230 Court Street in Pekin.
Born October 30, 1931 in Sewanee, Tennessee to Edward and Iva Lee Brown Eldridge, she married Lewis Wright on May 16, 1954 in Peoria. He died December 29, 1970 in Clearwater, Florida. She also was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers.
Surviving are one daughter, Mary J. (William) Wiker, Jr. of Pekin; two sons, Charles E. 'Chuck' (Joy) Wright of Orlando, Florida and Matthew W. (Sheila) Wright of Pekin; five grandchildren, Carrie J. (Wade) Propst of Crestone, Colorado, Amanda K. (Jason) Vos of Japan, Matthew A. Gale of Peoria, William L. 'Willie' Wiker and Cora J. Wiker, both of Pekin; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Al Eldridge of Sunnyland and Henry (Barb) Eldridge of Tullahoma, Tennessee and two sisters, Anna Hart of Winter Park, Florida and Bess Cain of Union City, Georgia.
She and her husband owned and operated the former Southland BarBQ on Derby Street in Pekin during the 1960's and 70's. She then worked for Jumer's Castle Lodge in Peoria as a waitress. She last worked 10 years as a waitress and hostess for The Grosvenor Resort at Walt Disney World, retiring in 1993.
She was a former member of the Delphi Club in Pekin. She was a former Miss Monteagle (Tennessee). She enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles and word searches. She also enjoyed attending rummage sales.
She was of the Lutheran faith.
Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 24, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Mark A. Miller will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hallmark House Nursing Center Activity Fund, 2501 Allentown Road, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
PEGGY MYERS
(1932 - 2005)
PEKIN - Peggy Joan Myers, 72, of 1105 S. 8th St. died at 5:23 p.m., Thursday, March 17, 2005 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Born November 11, 1932 in Dunfermline to John and Goldie Bath Baxter, she married Ronald Lee Myers on July 15, 1951 in Pekin.
Surviving are her husband; her mother, Goldie Harms of East Peoria; 1 daughter, Ronda Duncan of Pekin; 1 son, Dennis (Theresa) Myers of Green Valley; 5 grandchildren, Josh Duncan of East Peoria, Jonathan Duncan of Pekin, and Melissa, Ashlyn, and Kyle Myers, all of Green Valley; and 2 sisters, Shirley Foster of Peoria Heights and Beverly (Fritz) Harms of Bartonville.
She was preceded in death by her father; and 1 grandson, Jacob Myers.
Mrs. Myers worked in scheduling at Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria from 1966 to 1988.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin.
She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 21, 2005 at First United Methodist Church in Pekin. Rev. Terry C. Edele and Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 20, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1315 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554 or the Arthritis Foundation Central Illinois Chapter, 2621 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61604.
RYCHER WHITEMAN
(2005)
PEKIN - Rycher Owen Whiteman, infant son of Mark Alan and Tanya 'Tami' Rene Whitton Whiteman of 1409 Koch Street in Pekin was stillborn at 9:27 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at the Methodist Medical Center of Illinois in Peoria.
Surviving are his parents; two brothers, Rhettic Alan Whiteman and Justin Argene Whiteman, both of Pekin; his grandparents, Cecil A. and Patsy J. Whitton of Mackinaw, Sandra K. and Ben Peeler of Pekin and Michael J. Whiteman of Taylorville and his great-grandmothers, Mary Whiteman of Pekin, Barbara Johnson of Peoria and Vera Price of Morton.
His funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday, March 21, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Dr. Curtis E. Alexander will officiate. There will be no visitation. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 4722 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, Illinois 61614.
TODD A. REID
(1963 - 2005)
EAST PEORIA - Todd Allen Reid, 41, of 318 Lilac Lane, died at 2:11 a.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at Proctor Hospital in Peoria.
Born September 8, 1963 in Peoria to Alex Ray 'Rusty' and Diane Marie Neises Reid, he married Cheryl Jean Buss Short on September 17, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She survives.
Also surviving are his parents of Mapleton; two daughters, Amanda M. Reid and Jessica M. Reid, both of East Peoria; two step-daughters, Nicole K. Short and Lindi B. Short, both of East Peoria; three sisters, Lori L. (Kevin) Hofferbert of Carbondale, Colorado, Stacey L. Cagle of Bloomington, and Brandi S. Reid of Peoria; and two brothers, Alex W.D. 'Bondy' Reid of Peoria and Lt. Col. Cory K. (Lynn) Reid of Bartonville.
His grandparents preceded him in death.
He was a 1981 graduate of Limestone High School in Bartonville.
He served in the United States Army for 3 years, with 2 years in Germany.
A member of Iron Workers Local #112 in East Peoria since 1988, Mr. Reid last worked for Inter Plant Management in East Peoria for the past 6 years, last working Friday.
He enjoyed fishing, reading, watching NASCAR, and was a Pittsburgh Steelers football fan.
A memorial service will be at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2005 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Gary L. Ford will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Private burial will be in Winona, Minnesota at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 4722 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, Illinois 61614.
CHELSIE E. BUSH
(1983 - 2005)
PEKIN - Chelsie Elese Bush, 21, of 221 Henrietta Street, died at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 13, 2005 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
She was born October 28, 1983 in Peoria to Lisa Ann Bush.
Surviving are her mother, Lisa A. Sutton of Pekin; step-father, John D. Sutton of Pekin; grandmother, Margaret D. Petri of Pekin; one son, Kaden M. Copelen of Pekin; three sisters, Denell R. (Brian) Strack, Melinda F. Sutton, and Shelby L. Sutton, all of Pekin; one brother, Johnny D. Sutton of Pekin; one nephew; and one niece.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather (Emil A. Petri on February 9, 2001 in Pekin).
Chelsie began working on February 28, 2005 at Casey's General Store, 401 North Main Street in North Pekin, last working Saturday. She previously worked at Pekin Video Library for several years at both the Derby Street and North 8th Street locations in Pekin.
She enjoyed spending time outdoors and with friends and family. She also enjoyed listening to music.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2005 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel with cremation following. There will be no services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family for funeral expenses.
GEORGE E. KENNEY
(1925 - 2005)
SOUTH PEKIN - George Edward Kenney, 80, of 207 St. Mark Drive, died at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2005 at Pekin Hospital.
Born February 8, 1925 in South Pekin to Joseph Earl and Naomi McBride Kenney, he married Joyce Ann White on August 18, 1954 in Holly Springs, Mississippi. She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Larry L. (Carol) Kenney of New Canaan, Connecticut and Steven E. (Kathy) Kenney of Pekin; one daughter, Jody K. (Terry) Trumpy of South Pekin; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Joseph (Helen) Kenney of Tremont; and one sister, Geraldine Gray of Pekin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant daughter (Linda A. Kenney on November 6, 1957), two brothers, and three sisters.
A United States Army veteran of World War II, he served from July 30, 1943 to January 27, 1946. He attained the rank of Corporal and received two Purple Hearts for wounds received in action on November 25, 1944 and March 16, 1945, both in Germany. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge.
Mr. Kenney worked as a millwright for Corn Products Company and later Pekin Energy for a total of 45 years, retiring in 1987. He later was a security officer at Pekin Community High School for 3 years.
He was a member of the South Pekin Congregational Church, the Roy L. King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1232 of Pekin, and the Pioneer Club at CPC.
He served on the South Pekin School District #137 Board of Education for 16 years with 8 years as president. He was a former building inspector for the Village of South Pekin. He also had been a coach and past president of the South Pekin Little League.
He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and woodworking.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Thomas Cone will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodrow Cemetery in rural Pekin where military rites will be accorded by the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.
Memorial contributions may be made to the South Pekin Congregational Church, South Pekin, Illinois 61564.
DOROTHY R. RICHARDSON
(1924 - 2005)
MANITO - Dorothy R. Richardson, 80, of 180 East Southmoor Street, died at 1:20 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2005 at the Mason City Area Nursing Home in Mason City.
Born October 11, 1924 in Green Valley to Albert and Anna Ripper Hamann, she married Charles Richardson on January 23, 1943 in Kahoka, Missouri. He survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Eva Lynn (Richard) Fuller of Forest City; three grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and four brothers, Wilbert (Anna) Hamann and Lewis (Darlene) Hamann, both of Green Valley, and Orville Hamann and Earl (Margaret) Hamann, both of Pekin.
Her parents, one sister, and one brother preceded her in death.
Mrs. Richardson worked for the American Distilling Company in Pekin for 33 years, retiring in 1981.
She was of the Lutheran faith.
She enjoyed reading, fishing, and doing crossword puzzles.
Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2005 in Chapel Mausoleum of Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, where visitation will be 30 minutes before services. The Rev. Thomas R. Wenndt will officiate. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Arrangements are by the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Forman Ambulance Service, 205 North Broadway, Manito, Illinois 61546 or to the Parkinson's Action Network, 1025 Vermont Avenue Northwest, Suite 1120, Washington, DC 20005.
WILMA J. PETERSON
(1930 - 2005)
PEKIN - Wilma Jean Peterson, 74, of 1018 Black Street, died at 8:34 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2005 at her home.
Born July 3, 1930 in Pekin to Franklin and Annabelle 'Tay' Drake Mansfield, she married William Charles Peterson on August 1, 1958 in Pekin. He died December 31, 1995 in Pekin. Her parents also preceded her in death.
Surviving are two daughters, Holly Ann Peterson of Pekin and Melinda Grace (Charles) Weiss of Clarksville, Tennessee; two sons, William Charles 'Bill' Peterson of Buda, Texas and Rev. Charles William 'Chuck' (Rev. Dr. Cheryl) Peterson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; two grandsons, Charles Thomas Weiss of Fayetteville, North Carolina and Joseph William Weiss of Pekin; and one brother, Franklin 'Corky' Mansfield of Pekin.
Mrs. Peterson worked as a secretary at the Pekin City Hall for several years prior to her marriage. She later worked in the antique store at Jumer's Castle Lodge in Bettendorf, Iowa. She last worked at the Church Mouse Antique Shop in Port Byron for many years.
She was a member of the Tazewell County Historical Places in Pekin.
She had attended Second Reformed Church in Pekin.
She collected valentines, cook books, tea pots, and enjoyed cooking, baking, and corresponding with friends and family.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2005 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Ralph H. Cordes will officiate. Private burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at 1018 Black Street in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 2675 Allentown Road, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or the Outreach Fun of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 2812 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53208.
CATHERINE L. ERICKSON
(1920 - 2005)
PEORIA - Catherine Louise Erickson, 85, of 6701 West Plank Road, died at 11 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2005 at Bel-Wood Nursing Home in rural Peoria.
Born February 18, 1920 in Quincy to Carl and Dorothy Meyer Reiser, she married Roger O. Erickson.
Surviving are one daughter, Sally Jo (Michael) Thompson of Hanna City; one grandson; one step-grandson; two great-grandsons; one step-brother, Robert Sommers of Peoria; and two step-sisters, Shirley (Millard) Waters and Betty Williams, both of Palmyra, Missouri.
Her parents and one step-brother preceded her in death.
She served in the Women's Army Corps during World War II and was stationed in the Philippines.
Mrs. Erickson worked as an industrial registered nurse at Hiram Walker and Sons in Peoria for 32 years, retiring in 1969.
She was a graduate of the Saint Francis School of Nursing in Peoria.
She enjoyed flowers and cooking.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Chaplin David Rodden will officiate and military rites will be accorded by the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 14, 2005 at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Central Illinois Chapter, 606 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614 or Harbor Light Hospice, 2000 West Pioneer Parkway, Suite 18B, Peoria, Illinois 61615.
EVA A. REARDON
(1908 - 2005)
PEKIN - Eva A. Reardon, 97, of 444 South Parkway Drive, Apartment 1512, died at 3:55 p.m., Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at Pekin Manor.
Born January 31, 1908 in Pekin to James and Lena Morganthaller McCoy, she married Marvin 'Mike' Vanderwerf on June 18, 1927 in LaSalle. She later married Vernon 'Sam' Reardon in September 1953 in Pekin. He died March 23, 1976 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by one grandson, two brothers and one sister.
Surviving are one daughter, Vivian Lewis of Pekin; two sons, Marvin D. Vanderwerf of Winter Haven, Florida and Robert W. (Ramona) Vanderwerf of Lake Wales, Florida; eleven grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren and twelve great-great-grandchildren.
She worked for JC Penney's in downtown Pekin for 25 years as the yard goods manager, retiring in 1973.
She was a member and twice past president of Roy L. King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1232 Ladies Auxiliary in Pekin. She enjoyed playing bingo and playing cards at the Miller Senior Center.
She attended First United Methodist Church in Pekin.
Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2005 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Light Hospice, 2000 West Pioneer Parkway, Suite 18B, Peoria, Illinois 61615.
E. DARLENE MASON
(1911 - 2005)
PEKIN - Ella Darlene Mason, 93, of 1540 El Camino Drive, died at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at Pekin Manor.
Born September 19, 1911 in Liberty to Edward and Barbara Putz Neece, she married the Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Mason, Sr. on July 28, 1935 in Liberty. He died November 1, 1987 in Quincy. She also was preceded in death by one son, John K. Mason on January 6, 1993 in Peoria; one sister and two brothers.
Surviving are one son, Joseph A. (Geraldine) Mason, Jr. of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts; four grandchildren, John K. (Keli) Mason, II of Union, Kentucky, Mark E. (Jennifer) Mason of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, James A. (Lynette) Mason of Middleboro, Massachusetts and Jill A. (James) Huse of Florence, Kentucky and five great-grandchildren. She also leaves her daughter-in-law, Sharon Mason-Huff of Grantsburg, Wisconsin.
A graduate 1963 graduate of Bradley University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, she had taught school in Liberty, Clayton, Lima, Bowen and Rushville. She last was a substitute teacher for Pekin Public Schools District 108.
She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, where her husband served as the directing pastor for seventeen years. She was a member of the Rachel-Sarah Circle and the Friendship Club at the church. She also was a life member of the United Methodist Women and directed the Junior Carolers for 17 years.
She was a charter member of Chapter LM of the P.E.O. Sisterhood in Pekin. She also was a member of the Pekin Women's Club and a former board member of both the Pekin Y.W.C.A. and Church Women United.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2005 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. The Rev. Gary L. Ford and Rev. Krista L. Brockman will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2005 at the church. Private burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church Music Fund, 503 North 4th Street, Pekin, Illinois or to the Methodist Medical Center Hospice Services, 221 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61636.
JULES N. DUEZ
(1917 - 2005)
PEKIN -- Jules Newlin Duez, 88, of 1420 Camden St. died at 10:10 a.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at Pekin Manor.
Born February 6, 1917 in Danville to Clement and Isabell Duez, he married Margaret E. McJilton on June 11, 1950 in Pekin.
Surviving are his wife; 1 daughter, Sandra (Samuel 'Dave') Fraley of Pekin; 1 granddaughter; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; 1 sister, Adele Delattre of Danville; and 2 brothers, James (Shirley) Duez and Donald ('Cricket') Duez, both of Danville.
He was preceded in death by 6 brothers; and 1 sister.
Mr. Duez last worked for Illinois Machine and Tool Company from 1974 to 1981. Previously, he had worked for Hyster Corporation in Peoria for 25 years.
He was a member of Second Reformed Church in Pekin.
He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and was a life-member of the Amvets Post #169 in North Pekin.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 11, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Rev. Harmen Heeg and Rev. Ralph Cordes will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, March 10, 2005 at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
GAIL R. "BOB" SEACRIST, JR.
(1937 - 2005)
CREVE COEUR - Gail Robbin 'Bob' Seacrist, Jr., 67, of Creve Coeur, died at 8:35 a.m. Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Born June 7, 1937 in Hammond, Indiana to Gail Robbin Sr. and Marietta Helen VanDoren Seacrist, he married Marilyn Jean Huber on June 11, 1960 in Havana. She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Mike (Patti) Seacrist of Lake St. Louis, Missouri and Don (Teresa) Seacrist of Chatham; one daughter, Anne (Doug) Hall of Peoria; three granddaughters, Sarah Hall and Rachel Hall, both of Peoria, and Brooke Seacrist of Chatham; and two grandsons, Mathew Seacrist and Patrick Seacrist, both of Lake St. Louis, Missouri.
His parents and two infant brothers preceded him in death.
He served in the United States Navy from December 12, 1957 to December 11, 1961.
Mr. Seacrist worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 41 years, retiring in 1996 as a foreman at the Tech Center in Mossville. While at Caterpillar, he also had been a photographer at the Proving Grounds for many years.
In the late 1960's, he began filming the East Peoria High School basketball and football games and later the Academy of Our Lady/Spalding in Peoria basketball and football games, which he did for many years.
He was a member of Sacre Coeur Catholic Church in Creve Coeur and the Timberlake Club of Peoria. He also was past vice-president of the Creve Coeur Little League program.
An avid sportsfan for many teams, he enjoyed woodworking and local amateur radio.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2005 at Sacre Coeur Catholic Church in Creve Coeur. The Rev. Joseph W. Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2005 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur Chapel. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sacre Coeur Catholic Church, 601 Rusche Lane, Creve Coeur, Illinois 61610 or to the Timberlake Club of Peoria, 5501 West Farmington Road, Peoria, Illinois 61604.
BETTY J. "JEANNIE" EARHART
(1936 - 2005)
PEKIN- Betty Jean 'Jeannie' Earhart, 68, of 105 Skaggs St. died at 1:05 a.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at her home.
Born March 11, 1936 in Delavan to William B. and Edna E. Cremeens McCoy, she married Leland Wilbur Earhart on March 27, 1953 in Pekin.
She was preceded in death by her husband on April 19, 2003 in Pekin; and 4 brothers.
Surviving are 1 daughter, Sandy (Kim) Taylor of Glendale Heights, IL; 2 sons, Michael (Pat) Earhart and Jeffery (Tonya) Earhart, both of Pekin; 3 step-daughters, Linda (Joe) Price and Naydene Earhart, both of Mason City, and Shearyl (John) Kanive of Lacon; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Harold (Clarencetta) McCoy and Earl (Wilma) McCoy, both of Delavan; and 1 sister, Helen (Nick) McGinnis of Minier.
Mrs. Earhart worked on the bottling line at American Distilling Company in Pekin from 1960 to 1979.
She enjoyed fishing, camping, and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Friday, March 11, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel, where visitation will be one hour prior to services. Bruce Hohulin will officiate. Burial will be in Mason City Cemetery in Mason City.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 4722 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, IL 61614.
