David Jameson Blease

David was born on January 19, 1939 in Liverpool, England. His first nine years were spent in an orphanage prior to entering the home of his foster parents.

David married Carol Jean Winship on March 25, 1983 in Pekin. She died July 31, 2007. He also was preceded in death by his birth mother who died during childbirth; his foster parents, Eileen and Jamie Jameson and a cousin who was like a brother to him, Peter Combi.

Surviving are one son, Stephen (Amy) Blease of Stoughton, Wisconsin; two daughters, Nicola (Paul) Caswell and Amy (Chris Robinson) Blease, both of England; one stepdaughter, Tracy (Derek) Anderson of Greenville, South Carolina; ten grandchildren; one great-grandson; one brother, Richard Jameson of England; and Colleen Deckard, for whom David served as legal guardian.

He was a Queen Scout in England, which was a formative part of his youth and provided him an opportunity to meet the queen.

David was a member of the Pattern Makers Guild in England and moved to the United States to work at Caterpillar, Inc. During his 31 years of service he saw changes in this highly specialized trade from wood pattern making to using metal patterns and finally computerized AutoCAD. The skills he acquired also led him to create art through drawing, painting and sculpting. He retired from Caterpillar in 1998.

Because David began his life as an orphan, the idea of being adopted as a child of God through salvation in Jesus Christ had a large impact on him during his adult years. He had a heart for people and was passionate about sharing Jesus. He was known as a handyman and was proud to have built his home in Pekin prior to moving to Delavan. In his free time, David enjoyed golfing, bowling and was gifted as an artist. He also was a tenor and enjoyed singing in the choir.

He attended River of Life Church in Pekin.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Michael Forbis will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Private burial will be in Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help purchase a permanent headstone.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com