Ralph "Dick" Lower

Born February 21, 1931, in Pekin to Ralph Robert and Octavia Vera (Copelen) Lower, he married Donna Mae Van Dyke on April 21, 1950, in Pekin. She preceded him in death, after 53 years of marriage, on November 7, 2003.

He also was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Robin Lee Lower and Darrell Lower, who died in infancy; three daughters, Kristia Lynn Goss, Shelly Ann Beltramea and Terri Jene Smith; one brother, Leslie Lower; and one sister, Betty Saal.

Surviving are two sons, Gregory (Darcelle Mills) Lower of Pekin and Jeffrey (Lynda) Lower of Tremont; one daughter, Cheri (Ed) Haun of Bartonville; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and his longtime friend and partner, Linda Lane, whom he met through Dayspring Native American United Methodist Church.

Dick proudly served for six years in the Illinois Air National Guard, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was activated for two of those years during the Korean War. A special highlight during the last year of his life was receiving a Quilt of Valor in recognition of his military service.

A retired member of Teamsters & Chauffeurs Union Local 627 since 1995, Dick spent 40 years as a professional truck driver, finishing his trucking career as a driver for Fort Transfer of Morton. He also served for 20 years as a chauffeur for Presidential Limousine and remained active behind the wheel until his final trip, an airport run to O’Hare at the age of 85. After retiring from trucking, Dick became a writer for trade magazines within the trucking industry, drawing upon his many years of experience on the road.

Above all, Dick’s heart was centered on his family. He cherished being a grandfather and was affectionately known as “Papa.” He also found great satisfaction in careful craftsmanship and enjoyed beadwork and making jewelry.

He was a member of Dayspring Native American United Methodist Church in East Peoria and a former member of Toastmasters in Pekin.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dayspring Native American United Methodist Church, 201 North Norwood Place, East Peoria, IL 61611.

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