Larry Dwayne Howdyshell

Born July 1, 1958 in Peoria to Gordon Barewell and Addie Kathleen (Campbell) Howdyshell, he married Jennifer Welsh on April 28, 1990 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are three children, Laurel Grace (Stewart) McGinnis of South Pekin, Victoria (Chris) Johnson of Hanna City and Alexandra Howdyshell of Pekin; three grandchildren, Keira McGinnis and Nora McGinnis, both of South Pekin and baby Johnson of Hanna City; four siblings, Thomas (Janet Lawrence) Gilmer of Colonial Heights, Virginia, Kenneth Howdyshell of Punta Gorda, Florida, Wendell (Ann Jones) Howdyshell and Bonnie Howdyshell Shipp, both of Pekin; five nieces and nephews, Brandon (Melissa) Howdyshell, Emily (Ricky) Gibson, Dalton (Kayla) Storey; Daylyn Storey and Elizabeth (Chad) Bishop and seven great nieces and nephews, Gavin Howdyshell, Gwen Howdyshell, Kaytlynn Gibson, Ricky Gibson, Jr., Cason Cox, Lailah Cox and Cole Cox.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Larry worked as a ladelman and tractor operator at Keystone Steel & Wire Company in Bartonville for 40 plus years, retiring in 2019.

He was a kind, funny and extremely generous man. Larry was a thoughtful husband and loving father and papaw. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren Keira and Nora, who were the light of his life. He loved meeting people and talked to everyone, he never knew a stranger

A collector of many things he enjoyed buying and selling antiques and baseball cards. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, painting and woodworking. One of his favorite things to make were carved mushrooms, which he incorporated into keychains, necklaces and even canes. He frequently went to thrift stores and you could often catch him outside tending to his tomato and pepper plants, which he loved passing out to people. He will be missed dearly.

His funeral service will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Steve Weber will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family to assist with medical expenses.