Rutherford Edward Winchell

Born November 14, 1944 in Peoria to Russell Edward and Margaret Elizabeth (Horsburgh Winchell, he married Patricia McGovern on September 12, 1980 in Peoria and renewed their wedding vows a second time on February 19, 2019 in Mason County.

Surviving are his wife of Topeka; two daughters, Janet (Michael) Davidson of Topeka and Melissa Vaughn of Pekin; three sons, Edward Scott Winchell of Pekin, Thomas (Angie) Lewis and Dennis (Tonya) Lewis, both of Peoria; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren and one brother, James (Beverly) Winchell of Las Vegas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson; one great-grandson; one sister and two brothers.

Ed worked as an over the road truck driver for more than 35 years.

He loved spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling, motorcycling, dancing, boating, fishing and watching western movies.

His graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in rural Morton. Pastor Andrew Linder will officiate. There will be no visitation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to American SIDS Institute at www.sids.org, Alzheimer’s Association, Central Illinois Chapter, 614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61637.

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