Harold Leslie Bush Jr.

Born May 28, 1943 in Peoria to Harold Leslie and LaVerne (Atkins) Bush, Sr., he married Margaret Ann Colvin on August 7, 1965 in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Christy (Jim) Deutsch of Peoria; one son, Jeffrey (Becci) Bush of Peoria Heights; fifteen grandchildren, Stephenie Bush, Hannah (Brian) Snell, Rebecca (Alec) Laible, Rachel Bush, Kaleb Bush, Keely Deutsch, Connor (Mickala) Deutsch, Leah Deutsch, Holly (Mitch) Banaszak, Audrey Deutsch, Josie Deutsch, Samuel Deutsch, Greyson Deutsch, Lucas Bush and Joshua Bush; six great-grandchildren, Apollo Deutsch, Louisa Deutsch, Tessa Laible, Kimmie Laible, Kenney Lee and Kaylynn Lee; one brother, Chuck (Colleen) Bush of Eureka and three sisters, Donna Newport of Peoria, Kathy (Dave) Blume of Peoria and Karen (Al) Martos of Morton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Ronnie Edward Bush and one sister, Carolyn Abel.

Harold served in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1964 and spent time aboard the USS Sampson.

He retired from Caterpillar, Inc. in 1993 with 30 years of service. He also had worked part-time at the Peoria Journal Star as a messenger for 30 years and at Bergner's at Sheridan Village for 10 years.

He enjoyed going to car shows and was proud to have restored his 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. He also was a member of the Good Guys Car Club. Harold enjoyed visiting with friends and giving bear hugs. He also liked to brag on his grandkids and tease others.

Harold was a member of Bay View Baptist Church in Washington, where he was a part of the Good Timers group.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Bay View Baptist Church in Washington. Pastor Keith Thibo and Pastor Brian Currier will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, and also from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Maple Ridge Cemetery in Mapleton, with military rites accorded by the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bay View Baptist Church, 22648 Grosenbach Road, Washington, IL 61571 or to the Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society, P.O. Box 312, Pekin, IL 61555.

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