Verlyn "Butch" Lee Williams Jr.

Born July 25, 1946 in White Hall to Verlyn "Rusty" Lee and Imogene May (Goode) Williams, he married Janet Sue Sarnes on December 31, 1967. Surviving are three children born to Janet, Vanessa Lee (Dale) Reynolds, Richard Steven Griffin and Edwin Louis (Tina) Williams, all of Pekin; two granddaughters, Misha Anne Griffin of Pekin and Faith Janessa Williams of Burbank and one great-grandson, Kaden Spencer of Pekin. They later divorced. He then married Cheryl Lynn Waldmeier on May 12, 1979 in Pekin, one son born to Cheryl, Harold Lee Williams of Arizona. He was also preceded in death by Cheryl and his parents.

Butch was a Vietnam veteran of the United States Army where he served as a Combat Medic. He also spent 12 years at the Peoria Air National Guard as a vehicle mechanic.

He was a life member of Roy L. King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1232 in Pekin, Paul Towne Memorial Amvets Post #169 in North Pekin. He was also a current member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pekin.

In his youth he loved to help his Grandma and Grandpa Goode on their farm in Green County. He also enjoyed helping “Older Brother”, Dennis Deppert restore antique firetrucks.

Butch enjoyed photographing trains and wildlife when the opportunity arose. He also enjoyed camping and fishing with friends and family.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pekin. Pastor Daniel Bishop will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Military rites will be provided by the United States Army and Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or Paul Towne Memorial Amvets Post #169, 660 Radio City Drive North Pekin, Illinois 61554 in North Pekin.

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