David E York

Born December 26, 1930 in Saint Joseph, Missouri to Tony Wilburn Sr. and Lenora A. (Brown) York, he married Joann May Reed Nichols on August 11, 1956 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Brenda Marie Stowell of Pekin; one son, David Joel York of Pekin; two grandchildren, Sean David Stowell of Macomb and Autumn Elizabeth Stowell of Pekin; four brothers, Garland (Ruth) York, Anthony "Tony" (Peggy) York, and Daniel (Sharon) York, all of Pekin, and Donald York of Harrison, Arkansas; and three sisters, Nina Eller and Frances (Donald) Schott, both of Pekin, and Linda (Richard) Draves of Harrison, Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant brother, and two infant sisters.

A United States Army veteran of the Korean War, he served for 8 years separating February 29, 1956. He attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. He received the Purple Heart and Silver Star.

David worked for Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville for 37 ½ years, retiring in 1992 as a finisher in the rod and bar mill. While at Keystone, he served as a union steward for many years.

He was an active member of First Assembly of God in Pekin, where he was former deacon, taught Sunday school for junior boys, taught membership classes, was a visiting minister to the shut-ins, and was co-leader, with his wife, of the Sunshiner's class. A wonderful man, he was devoted to both his family and church.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2007at First Assembly of God in Pekin. The Rev. Quinn McKenzie will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Burial will be in Spring Lake Cemetery in rural Manito, where military rites will be accorded.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fusion Youth Center, 335 Sabella Street, Pekin, IL 61554.