Duane John Davis

John was born May 16, 1941 in Jefferson City, Missouri to Willard W. and Katherine L. (Farmer) Davis. He was previously married to Vivienne “Toni” A. (Major) Nelson and then Jill (Scheidler) Davis. They survive.

Also surviving are one daughter, Renee (Curt) Afdahl of Metamora; two granddaughters, Dreeyan (Ryan) Hughes and Jorheene Spradlin, both of Pekin; one great-granddaughter, Brynleigh Hughes; one brother, Walter J. (Sally) Davis of East Peoria; one sister, Shirley H. (Bob) Hayes of Johnston City; three stepchildren, Tara, Tim and Tom; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, William Davis, and one sister, Daphene Sweeney.

John achieved three Associates Degrees in multiple fields of study through Illinois Central College in East Peoria.

He worked as a truck driver for Starr Transport, retiring in 2013. Prior to that, John worked many years working as an equipment repair technician for UARCO. He was also formerly a Pekin Police officer and the Police Chief of Delavan.

John pursued a multitude of hobbies throughout the years, such as: collecting match books, photography and photo developing (which he learned in the Army), building model railroads, reading and completing crossword puzzles, and video gaming. His sense of adventure and love for the outdoors led him to become a private pilot and frequently sharpen his target shooting skills with handguns and small rifles.

John’s kindness showed through his love for his pets and donating to charities. He was very family oriented and, later in life, a bit of a homebody. He was a big fan of the Chicago Bears and always enjoyed a fresh baked loaf of bread.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He was able to revisit Europe and his old barracks almost 30 years later.

His graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2024 at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. Pastor John Vaughn will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Military Rites Team.

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions maybe made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or to any animal rescue of the donor’s choice.

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