Walter D Gleason

Born October 13, 1940 in Lincoln to Thomas Richard and Loretta Gwendola (Lee) Gleason, he married Myra Jean Mote on May 28, 1966 in Lincoln.  She survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Rhonda (Bill) Hodges of Mapleton, Jill Gleason of Pekin, and Erin (Michael) Powell of South Pekin; six grandsons, J.J. Pyatt of Springfield, Dallas Fardel, Jared Pyatt and Cole Pyatt, all of Pekin, Connor Powell of South Pekin and Billy Hodges of Mapleton; three brothers, Leo (Joyce) Gleason of Clawson, Michigan, John Gleason and Frank (Rosemond) Gleason, both of Berkley, Michigan.  He also leaves his former son-in-law, Jerry (Karen) Pyatt of Pekin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Dakota Fardel; three brothers and two sisters.

Walt served in the United States Army Military Police in Germany from 1958 to 1964.

He was a member of the George M. Maple AMVETS Post #235, the William Schaefer American Legion Post #44, the Roy L. King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1232, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1869 and the Tobin Nanninga Marine Corps League Detachment 85, all in Pekin.  He also was a former member of the Pekin Family Moose Center #916.

He also served as a member of the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team Honor Guard in Pekin.

He was of the Catholic faith.

He worked for Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria and Mapleton as a heat treat operator for 27 ½ years, retiring in 1994.

Walt enjoyed babysitting his grandchildren, and volunteering for Pekin Youth Hockey.  He also was a fan of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, where military rites will be provided by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.  Deacon Ernie Whited will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.  Cremation will be accorded following services.  Burial of ashes will be at a later date in Zion Cemetery in Lincoln.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team in c/o Mary Kerby, 1104 Court Street Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com