Phillip A Cantrell

PEKIN ~ Phillip A. Cantrell, 70, of Pekin, passed away at 10:25 p.m. Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at his home. He was surrounded by his family who loved and cared for him very much. He went to be with his Lord.

Born September 5, 1942 in Kewanee to William and Helen (Gillespie) Cantrell, he married Betty Low on May 16, 1965 in Kewanee. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Gina (Michael) Antonini of North Pekin; one sister, Leanna (Keith) Williams of Kewanee; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and a lifelong friend, Van (Linda) DeVilder of Kewanee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Lynn Cantrell; and one infant brother, William Cantrell.

Phil was a 1960 graduate of Wethersfield High School in Kewanee.

A United States Navy veteran, he served from May 31, 1960 to August 21, 1963. He had served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk.

Phil worked as a machinist at Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria for 30 years, retiring in 1994. After his retirement, he worked for the Pekin Park District in maintenance and also bike trail maintenance.

He volunteered at the Pekin Boys & Girls Club for the past 18 years. His passion was playing pool and he thoroughly enjoyed his time there teaching the youth to play. He loved being around children.

Phil was a Christian and was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin. He was part of the recycling team and helped maintain the church parking lot.

His life ended far too quickly but irreplaceable memories and stories will be told many times. We will always remember his “phil” erisms and “phil” osophies. He will be remembered for his welcoming smile, quick wit, and his kindness.

Our family chain has been broken and nothing seems the same but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

His memorial service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, December 30, 2012 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, where visitation will be one hour before the service. The Rev. Steve Anderson will officiate. Cremation will be accorded.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Pekin Boys & Girls Club, 1101 Veerman Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to the Brain Injury Group, 218 Terminal Street, East Peoria, IL 61611.

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