Michael "Mike" D Worden

PEKIN ~ Michael “Mike” David Worden, 69, of Pekin, passed away at 6:34 p.m. Sunday, September 24, 2023 at home, following a short season in hospice and a long battle with heart disease. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family.

Born May 12, 1954 in Peoria to David E. and Esther (Grant) Worden, he married Tena M. Hedrick on June 19, 1976 in Pekin.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years; his children, Catherine Worden of East Peoria and Chris Worden of Pekin; his in-laws, Gary & Gloria Callaway and multiple nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jim Worden and Paul (Christina) Worden.

Mike was a veteran of the United States Navy and very patriotic.

Mike last worked as a deckhand with the marine crew at the Par-A-Dice Riverboat Casino in East Peoria.

He was a loving and devoted husband and father, “Pops”, who loved visiting with family and friends, especially all of his many nieces and nephews.

Mike was a collector of many things, focusing coins and lighthouses. He loved fishing and was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan.

He was a devoted member of Central Life Church in Pekin. In addition, he had been a member of Riverside Community Church for many years until his health made it so he had to attend church much closer to home.

Mike loved the Lord and loved helping people in any way he could. He was always looking for special items he could buy to put in the Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes that he helped with every year.

His funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Keith Moore of Central Life Church and Pastor Chuck Tate of the Rock Church in East Peoria, will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following the service. Inurnment will be at a later date in Boss, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be given to Central Life Church, 1100 Hamilton, Pekin, Illinois 61554 for Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.

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