Darrell W. Deal Jr.

Darrell was born Nov. 23, 1969, in the city of love and fresh smells, Peoria, Ill.

Born the lucky son of an all-around stunningly beautiful woman, mother Janice Martin Deal (now Squires of Morton) and devastatingly handsome Chuck Norris lookalike father Darrell W. Deal Sr. (of Kingston Mines).

Darrell Jr., or "Little Darrell," graduated from Illini Bluffs High School in 1988, a school in which he excelled at baseball, basketball, being suave, and pretty much anything he wished to excel at. He majored in being cool and throughout his life was a professional cool guy and big brother.

Once finishing high school, he could no longer contain his love for country, freedom and physical fitness, so he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He did his basic training at the famous Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. Little Darrell was anything but little, standing at a mere un-measurable height or weight to any mortal, served in Desert Storm, assisting with one of the quickest conflict resolutions in the history of man. Coincidence? Darrell was laid-back, a lover of life, sport, travel, outdoors, and most of all family - and thought it better to end the conflict with as few casualties as possible and return home to enjoy the fruits of life. Which he did.

Upon his return, he married, and fathered a child. A daughter destined for beauty, grace, sophistication, humor, and love, Destiny Deal, of Lake Camelot has lived up to her name. Several years later, because of his love for love, he fathered another child. Future professional athlete, writer, doctor, sales clerk, or model - whatever he chooses to do, will be done beautifully - Dawson Deal, of Washington will surely grow up to lead a life his father will be proud of.

Because of his love of craftsmanship, strength, hard work and sweat, he has worked as a machinist for Caterpillar Inc. Because of his love for fresh air and community he has worked for the Peoria Journal Star. He has led many professions in life; he would say none more proud to be than that of father to two beautiful children.

He leaves behind a world filled with friends and family, including his sister, Danette (Skip) Ball of Minooka, Ill.; his brother, Dustin Deal of Chicago; and his girlfriend, Tracey Johnson, with whom he shared his life, who are all better now for knowing him.

Our warrior, our friend, our uncle, our cousin, our nephew, our grandson, our brother, our lover, our son, our father - you will be missed. You are beautiful. The Gods will delight in you.

A visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today, July 16, at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel and a memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, at the Kingston Mines United Methodist Church. Pastor Kathy Barrett will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Darrell W. Deal Jr. Memorial Fund CEFCU.

To leave an online condolence, please go to www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com.