Arnold "Skeeter" Edward Austin

Born September 24, 1941 in Peoria to Zeala “Zeke” and Leota (Dempster) Austin, he married Donna Bishop on March 19, 1965 in Peoria. She died on May 14, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Cathy Austin and one sister, Marilyn Demick.

Surviving are three daughters, Christie (Bob) Counterman of Marquette Heights, Lori (Ryan) Cargill and Lisa (Dr. Brendon) Johnson, both of Pekin; five grandchildren, Daniel Counterman, Joshua Counterman, Zachary Johnson, Ryan Cargill, Jr. and Hunter (Hunter) Koller and two great-grandchildren, Aurora Koller and Hudson Koller.

Skeeter was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He enlisted in 1962 and served in Okinawa working in communication interception.

He worked as a lithographer at Fleming-Potter Co. Inc. in Peoria for 36 years, before retiring. He helped make labels for companies including Easterseals, Boystown and Hiram Walker, as well as other wines and liquors.

A jack of all trades, Skeeter was always pursuing a new hobby or learning a new skill. He had a gift for story telling and loved history. He enjoyed photography, drawing, woodworking and jewelry making. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and could fix just about anything.

He was a former member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria and Parkway Christian Church in Pekin.

His funeral will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Ed Ross will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A private burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Veteran of Foreign Wars, 1232 Veterans Drive, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

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