Chris J. LaRue

He was born February 13, 1935 in St. Louis, MO to Charles J. and Genevieve (Johnson) LaRue. He married Deanna Forneris August 3, 1963 in Blue Mound, IL. She survives along with three sons: Carrick LaRue of East Peoria, Caley LaRue and his partner Freeman Braswell of Chicago, Cavan LaRue of Peoria, and close family friends, A.J. (Tara) Sikma and their two daughters, Molly and Katie of Princeton, NJ.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He grew up in Troy, MO and continued a strong association with that community throughout his life.

Chris first came to Peoria as a Psychiatric Social Worker to work for the Institute for Juvenile Research (IJR). That led into him working at Zeller Mental Health Facility, where he was head of the children’s unit, retiring in the mid 1990’s. Following his retirement he went into private practice for himself. He also taught continuing education courses at Bradley, ICC, University of Illinois, and Eureka College. Chris was involved and a strong supporter of the National Association for the Mentally Ill.

He was a member of the National Association of Social Workers. He was also a board member and very active at Crittenden in Peoria, and was a consultant for Youth Farm in Peoria.

He was a member and very active in the University United Methodist Church in Peoria. He worked on several Church committees including teaching the High School Sunday School program.

Visitation will be Tuesday April 8, 2014 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crittenden, his church-UUMC, Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of your choice.

Please view Chris’s obituary online at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com