Willis W Runyon

PEKIN ~ Willis W. Runyon, 88, of Pekin, passed away at 8:06 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was especially thankful his daughter-in-law, Kim, was able to provide hospice care for him in his final hours.

Born October 6, 1935 in Green Valley to Fredrick Lawrence and Mary Elizabeth (Schmidt) Runyon, he married Lois Jones on September 13, 1964 in Green Valley. They were married for 59 years. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Rodney (Kim) Runyon of Fairview Heights; one daughter, Tamera (Todd) DeGroot of Pekin; five grandchildren, David (Peggy) Runyon of Fairview Heights, Alycia (Dennis) Dunnigan of Pekin, Danielle (Dan) Ferguson of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Morgan DeGroot of Peoria and Elijah DeGroot of Pekin; six great-grandchildren, Alexander Hoover, Colton Runyon, Raelynn Dunnigan, Cayden Innes, Brandon Ferguson and Danica Ferguson; one brother, Lynn (Teresa) Runyon of Pekin; two sisters, Rosemary (Carl) Zilch of Washington and Faye (Bob) Salinas of Bossier City, Louisiana and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; three sisters; his mother-in-law and father-in-law.

Willis was a veteran of the United States Army.

He retired from Keystone Steel & Wire Company, where he worked for 38 years.

Willis was a die-hard fan of the Chicago Cubs. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and working with his hands. He loved to tend to his yard and feed birds. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Green Valley and had attended Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin.

A gathering celebrating his life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Grace United Methodist Church, 601 N. 4th St., Pekin. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

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