Heath Michael Armentrout

Heath Michael Armentrout, 58, of Chillicothe, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at his home. He was born on September 6, 1966, in Peoria, a son of Sue and Joseph Armentrout. He married Darlene Pryor on May 29, 2009, in Dunlap.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; mother, Norma Sue Armentrout of Edwards; and his four sons, Kai (Katie) Armentrout, Wyatt Armentrout, Clayton (Caitlin) Bragg, and Beau (Ellen) Bragg; his two grandchildren, Jaxson (7) and Adelaide (1); and his brother, Dane (Shannan) Armentrout.

Heath was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Armentrout.

He graduated from Bergen High School in Peoria and then furthered his education at the University of Illinois where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Police Science.

After obtaining his degree he worked as police officer for over 33 years. He ended his law enforcement career as a Sergeant in the Peoria Police Department. He also proudly served in the United States Air National Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after 32 years of service.

Everyone that met Heath can attest to the fact that he had a way of speaking to people that made everyone feel important. He always made time to listen, leaving all with no doubt that he truly cared and heard what you said. He developed deep bonds and true friends wherever he roamed. He was an amazing husband and father. No one could ask for a better provider and role model. Embracing the role of father/step-father he earned the love and respect of his four boys. Everyone who knows Heath knows how deeply he adored his wife Darlene. He always would say how sad he was that they didn’t find each other sooner. That is wasn’t fair that they missed out on the early years together. But looked forward to spending a long life together. Her joy was his joy, and their love was the kind their family strives to achieve themselves.

He also found great joy in music. He and Darlene bonded over their love of Bluegrass. Heath learned to play the harmonica from listening to his dad play as a child. He also worked hard to learn a pretty darn good banjo roll. The Empty Spools band was a good creative outlet to showcase those talents. But like he always said what can you expect from an empty spool? Nothing so don’t set your hopes too high for what music we are going to produce. Everyone considered him the glue that always held the band together. He loved his band mates like family. He most enjoyed just playing music with friends around an open campfire telling stories and bad jokes.

Most people might not know that he was a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and in Judo. He enjoyed the sport so much he was a Judo instructor at Hollis Park District for several years. That just so happens to be where Heath met Darlene where all their boys took lessons.

He especially enjoyed spending time on his ATV and riding his good-looking Harley Davidson. Taking a quick putt or a long leisurely ride through the countryside brought great joy with Darlene always along for the ride. They spent many hours planning out the trips they would like to go on when he retired.

Heath will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. He made lifelong friends in both of his career fields all over the world.

Heath’s memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday June 26, 2025, at the Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home, 2408 W Willow Knolls Dr. in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Kirk Edwards Foundation at PO Box 5677 Peoria IL 61601-5677 or the Combat Vets Association at cvma24-7.org

Online condolences may be shared with Heath’s family at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com