Walter Eugene McCabe

He was born on November 17, 1926, in Peoria, a son, of Phillip Charleston and Mildred G. (VanHorn) McCabe. Walter married Phyllis Jeanne Schmidt on May 8, 1949, in Pekin. She preceded him in death on February 5, 2018.

Walter was also preceded by his parents; one brother, Arthur McCabe and one granddaughter, Nicole (McCabe) Crombie.

He is survived by two sons, Kevin (Tammy) McCabe of Pekin and Michael (Susan) McCabe of Pekin; and two grandchildren, Jessy McCabe and Collin McCabe; one grandson-in-law, Sean Crombie; one great-granddaughter, Brooklyn McCabe; numerous nieces and nephews in Texas and California and special family friend, Rita Deets. Walter and Phyllis cared for many children over the years including Emma and Kaitlyn Miller.

Walter proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Navy. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pekin. Walter worked for CILCO at the Edwards and Duck Creek Power Stations for 17 years, retiring in 1989. Previously he worked for 25 years at Standard Brands in Pekin as a Fireman in the Boiler Room.

He enjoyed trap shooting, golfing, bowling, hunting, flying (private pilot). Walter was a member of the Empire Lodge #126 AF & AM in Pekin, Heart of Illinois Shriners, Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Peoria, United Methodist Men’s Club, former youth leaders Administrative Board, Head usher for 20 years, and a member of the Memorial Committee. He knew someone everywhere that he went. Walter was an honorary member of the Tremont Sportsman’s Shooting Club.

His funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be at 10 am. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin with full military honors.

Memorial contributions in honor of Walter may be directed to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554, or the Greater Peoria Honor Flight http://greaterpeoriahonorflight.org.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com