John F Tibbs

Born April 24, 1928 in Pekin to Lambert and Mae (Eertmoed) Tibbs, he married Thelma Wade on July 30, 1948 in Pekin. She died March 18, 1988 in Peoria. He later married Helen Beal on April 24, 1991 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She died July 15, 2006. He also was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Fred Tibbs; and one great-granddaughter, Ella Leichtenberg.

Surviving are two sons, Michael (Sue) Tibbs and Steven (Connie) Tibbs, both of Pekin; six grandchildren, Stephanie (Todd) Leichtenberg, Jeremy (Crystal Lash) Tibbs, Ryan Tibbs, Matt (Alesha VonBoeckman) Tibbs, Eric Tibbs, and Carly (Joe) Stokes; five great-grandchildren, Olivia Leichtenberg, Hayden Tibbs, Braxton Tibbs, Mazlyn Tibbs, and Leila Tibbs; and one brother, Robert (Pat) Tibbs of Long Beach, California.

John was a self-employed carpenter until he retired in 1990. After retirement, he was an instructor for the Carpenter's Apprenticeship School in Pekin for many years.

He was a master carpenter and was a member of the Carpenters Local Union183 in Peoria for over 50 years. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2009 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Dr. Eric Hansen will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Maple Ridge Cemetery in Mapleton.

Memorial contributions may be given to Peoria Rescue Ministries, 601 SW Adams St. Peoria, IL 61602 or to Hospice Compassus 2000 W. Pioneer Pkwy, Peoria, IL 61615.