Calvin Gene Thorne

Born December 14, 1936 in Pekin to Orville and Genevieve Constance (Crapnell) Thorne, he married Linda Lou Wheeler on April 26, 1957 in Creve Coeur. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Donald Gene (Mandy) Thorne of Creve Coeur; one daughter, Connie Lynn Weaver of Pekin; four granddaughters, Courtney Thorne and Heather Heerman, both of Creve Coeur, and C.J. Weaver and Morgan Weaver, both of Pekin; and one grandson, Corey Gene Walker of Glasford, whom he helped raise; one great-grandson, Clayton Wilson of Creve Coeur; and two brothers, Terry (Barbara) Thorne of Pekin and Randy Robinson of Peoria.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Calvin worked for Keystone Steel & Wire Company in Bartonville in the patenting department for 30 years, retiring in 1985.

He was a member of the Glasford Baptist Church and the Early Ford V-8 Club of America Regional Group #51 of Peoria. He was a former member of the National Street Rod Association and Slowpokes Car Club, where he was a past president. He was a former original member of Past Times Car Club.

Calvin enjoyed driving his 1948 Ford Coupe Street Rod that he has owned for 51 years. A die-hard Ford fan, he also enjoyed going to cruise-ins and car shows.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, January 25, 2010at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Paul D. Cook will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, January 24, 2010at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Glasford Baptist Church Benevolent Fund, Post Office Box 26, Glasford, IL 61533.