Harold "Joe" Newell

Born October 21, 1926 in Holder in to Walter and Della (Smizer) Newell, he married Darlene Jean Tromler on June 14, 1948 in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Bonnie Penkal of Smithville; two sons, Gary (Carol) Newell of Flint, Texas and Joseph Newell of Pekin; five grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Bob Newell of Deer Creek; and aunt, Carol Newell of Pekin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother (Glenn Newell), and three sisters (Lucille Kinsey, Marge Stoller, and Elsie Hoffman).

A United States Army veteran of World War II, he served from January 10, 1945 to November 22, 1946. He attained the rank of Corporal.

Joe worked for the Norfolk & Southern Railroad for 43 years, retiring in 1987 as a foreman.

He was a charter member of the Deer Creek American Legion Post #1276. He had served as police chief in Deer Creek for 9 years and had worked for the Deer Creek Water Department. He was a former Cub Scout leader and Boy Scout leader.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2010at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be one hour before the funeral. The Rev. Tom Cone and Rev. Andrew Ramey will officiate. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Military Rites Team.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Deer Creek American Legion Post #1276.