EAST PEORIA ~ Darrell Lee Grant, 58, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away at 1:14 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was formerly of East Peoria. He had also lived in Little Rock, Arkansas and Sugar Land, Texas.
Born August 10, 1964 in Peoria to Gary and Marlys (Oltman) Grant, he married Brigitte Oetzel on September 14, 1991. She survives.
Also surviving are his parents of East Peoria; two children, Alexa (Cole Mathena) Grant of East Peoria and Conner Grant of Memphis, Tennessee; two siblings, Tina (Jeff) Spears of Wildwood, Missouri and Troy (Lori) Grant of Holly Springs, North Carolina; one niece, Hannah Grant of Holly Springs, North Carolina; two nephews, Calvin Spears of Wildwood, Missouri and Hunter Grant of Holly Springs, North Carolina; his in-laws, Ron and Penny Oetzel of Lakeland, Florida and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ralph and Hilda Oltman; his paternal grandparents, Edwin and Marjorie Grant and his brother-in-law, Ron Oetzel.
Darrell was an incredible man who was the most loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend. His outgoing nature, genuine kindness and unending sense of humor made him friends with everyone.
After high school, Darrell served for eight years in the United States Coast Guard before marrying his high school sweetheart, Brigitte, and their family was soon complete after welcoming their daughter, Alexa and son, Conner.
Known to many as “The Cookie Man” through his work in sales at MBC Foods, Darrell would later become known as “The Pizza Man” where he would spend the remainder of his career with both Kraft Foods and Nestle. Upon retirement, Darrell began working as a standardized patient and professional teaching associate where he trained the next generation of healthcare providers. This is the work that he was most proud of.
Darrell was an avid golfer and softball player, a Master Mason and a Christian, although his greatest source of pride came from the adults that Alexa and Conner have become. Darrell’s wish of being an organ donor was the pinnacle of his ability to help nurses, physicians, and caregivers provide and to help patients and families receive the highest standard of care.
Masonic Rites will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur, conducted by Frank N. Nicol Lodge #1170, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. A celebration of life memorial service will immediately follow. Pastor John Plunkett will officiate. Visitation will be from 2:30 to 4:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Military rites will be provided by the United States Coast Guard and the Tazewell Military Rites Team.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to support The ABCD Grant Family Scholarship to benefit East Peoria Community High School through the Community Foundation of Central Illinois at 3625 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, Illinois 61604 or https://communityfoundationci.org/
to express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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