Ronald Elmer Schooley

Born March 23, 1943 in Peoria, a son of Howard E. and Ester E. Smith Schooley, he married Gloria Stiger on March 25, 2006 in Las Vegas. She survives.

Also surviving are four children, Ronnie (Shannon) Schooley of Bartonville, Lisa (Danny) Schaub of Dunlap, Andrew (Chrissy) Schooley of Bartonville, Lora (Kevin) Erickson of Mt. Pulaski; nine adorable grandchildren; four step-children, Robert (Bonnie) Worrick of Glasford, Rick (Ashley) Stiger of Marquette Heights, Laura Stiger, and Joe Stiger both of Pekin; two adorable step-grandchildren; two sisters, Nancy (Jim) Stone of Peoria, Marsha (Richard) Archibald of Brimfield; several nieces and nephews; and two cats, Slugo and Rosie.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He attended Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson elementary schools, and subsequently Richwood Community High School from 1957 to 1961, where he graduated as the 1961 Athlete of the Year. He continued his studies at Western Illinois University from 1962 to 1964.

“Rocket Ron” as he was known around town, owned Rocket Tire Service in Peoria. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He and his wife, Gloria, were enthusiastic about cruising in his old street rods and viewing wildlife. Stock car racing was his life-long passion. Ron was a premier race car driver and later became the respected owner of the #40 late model dirt race car.

He was a member of the Bartonville American Legion Post #979 and a past member of the Bartonville Air National Guard.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the services Tuesday. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

View Ronald’s life story at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Methodist Hospice.