Benjamin F "Ben" Piercy

Born January 1, 1927 to Daniel and Velda (Bradford) Piercy in West Plains, MO., he married Georgia Robinson on November 21, 1955 in West Plains, MO.  She preceded him in death on July 9, 2006 in Creve Coeur.

Also preceding him in death are three brothers and four sisters.

Surviving are one son, Bob Piercy of Peoria; one daughter, Denice (Vince) Pennington of Germantown Hills; one grandson, Ty (Jennifer) Piercy of Peoria; one granddaughter, Dawn (Chris) Holly of Pekin; six great-grandchildren, Katelyn, McGwire, Payton, Parker, Carter and Abigail; two sisters, Evelyn Wilkins of Yakima, WA and Etta Plaster of Morton.

Ben had served in the United States Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theater.

He worked as an operating engineer out of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 649 out of Peoria, retiring in 1989.

Ben was a 32nd degree Mason with the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons in East Peoria. 

An avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, he enjoyed long walks, fishing and vegetable gardening, particularly his tomatoes.

He had been a member and had served as Deacon at Creve Coeur Southern Baptist Church.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur.  The Rev. Eric Dupree will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour prior at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.  Military rites will be conducted by the Tazewell Military Rites Team and the Military Funeral Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Children's Home, 2130 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61603.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com