George E Hackney

Born July 14, 1925 in Peoria to George Edward and Lena Florence (VanPelt) Hackney, he married Marjorie Jane Steging Crafton on March 29, 1963 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Joetta Jean (Andy) Anderson of Jerico Springs, Missouri and Susan Yvonne (Joseph) Lunini of Pekin; one son, George E. (Gloria) Hackney, Jr. of Havana; two step-daughters, Gay (Earl) Kyle of Manito and Merry Sue (Don) Willock of Pekin; sixteen grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant daughter (Deborah Hackney), one step-daughter (Joy Janssen), two grandchildren, and two sisters.

He was a United States Army veteran of World War II.

George worked for International Harvester in Peoria for 18 years, retiring as a mechanic supervisor. Following his retirement he worked for Mack Truck Garage and later was a school bus driver in Manito. In earlier years, George worked as a welder at LeTourneau-Westinghouse in Peoria and as a bus driver for the City of Peoria.

He was a member of Empire Lodge #126, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Pekin, where he served as Worshipful Master in 1988 and 1995. He was a member and past patron of Celestial City Chapter #333, Order of the Eastern Star and Irin Grotto, and a life member of Roy L. King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1232, all in Pekin. He served on the Masonic Temple building board from 1996 to 1998.

His Masonic service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2008at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel followed by a memorial service. The Rev. Todd Mushaney will officiate. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Paul United Church of Christ, 101 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Empire Masonic Lodge #126, 338 Elizabeth Street, Pekin, IL 61554.