John R. McClary

Born March 22, 1945 in Fayette County to LeRoy William and Evelyn Guthrie McClary, he married Pam Burdett on May 15, 1966 in Pekin.

Surviving are his wife; mother and step-father, Evelyn and Robert D. "Dutch" Arnold of Pekin; 2 sons, Scott McClary and Jeff (Maria) McClary, both of Pekin; 2 daughters, Nicole McClary of Canton and Amy Eagan of Washington; 5 grandchildren, Zachary McClary, Abbie Beoletto, Bree McClary, Courtney McClary, and Gavin McClary, all of Pekin; 4 sisters, Ruth (Don) Durbin of Pekin, Edna Butler of Marquette Hts., Joan (Paul) Browning of Pekin, and Angela Price of Marquette Hts.; and 5 brothers, Thomas (Beverly) McClary, Harvey (Mary Ann) McClary, and John (Debbie) Arnold, all of Pekin, Adolph (Deborah) Arnold of East Peoria, and Frank McClary; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Pat Burdett and sister-in-law, Connie Ercegovich, who were care givers and took him to many doctors' appointments.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Roger will be missed much more than mere words can express. Cigarettes took so much of his life and time with his family that it is difficult to believe he is dead at age 61.

The family greatly appreciates the dedication of Drs. Stephen Cullinan and Michael Honan in caring for Roger.

He last worked as a realtor with Kaebel Real Estate in Pekin from 1997-99. Previously, he had worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 30 years, retiring from the Morton facility in 1995 as a power trucker. He had also worked for Corn Products Corporation in Pekin for 3 years and had been a farmer.

He was a former member of the Pekin Elks Lodge and had enjoyed bowling in his younger years. He enjoyed traveling, history, woodworking, fishing, and gambling. He was a devoted father and grandfather.

He had served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, September 7, 2006 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Rev. Roger Davis will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, September 6, 2006at the funeral home. Entombment will be in the mausoleum at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 2675 Allentown Road, Pekin, IL 61554.