Dale E. "Gene" Reatherford

Born March 15, 1933 in Pana, IL to Floyd and Olivia (Duckett) Reatherford. He married Frances M. Riecker in Peoria on Jan. 28, 1956. She survives.

They celebrated 56 years of marriage and have 6 wonderful children, Rebecca (David) Smith of Peoria Heights, Michael (Amber) and David (Jill) both of Germantown Hills, Mark (Sheri) of Peoria Heights, Kevin (Beth) of Washington, Paul (Gaylene) of Davenport, IA; 15 grandchildren, Tom (Niki), Tim (Laura), Melissa (Giuseppe), Jason, Chris, Matthew, Brittany (Shawn), Corey, Collin, Chase, Jarod, Aimee, Jacob, Haley, Nicholas; 5 great-grandchildren, Kailyn, Mackenzie, Summer, Skye, Keith; brother, Paul; sister, Lorraine Deck; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Russell, Rex, Don; and sister, Maxine.

Gene was a Korean War Army Veteran. He participated in the exchange of 20,000 Prisoners of War, and finished his last stint of duty in Hawaii. He worked at Connor Co. in Peoria for 50 years before retiring and was the top salesman for many years.

He was a member of VFW Post 814 in Peoria where he was elected Senior Commander and was to take the position in the Spring. He was also a member of American Legion Post 2 in Peoria. Gene was of the Catholic Faith.

He was a proud and giving man. He helped whoever and whenever he could. Enjoyed his time traveling, fishing, playing cards and being around his family and friends.

Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the chapel. Burial will be at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, American Cancer Society, or Harbor Light Hospice.