Benny D Hale

Born December 24, 1955 in Peoria to W.D. and Alma (Moore) Hale, he first married Betty Purdy. He later married Susan Keller.

Surviving are his father of Florida; two sons, B.J. Hale and Kevin Roberts, both of Pekin; four daughters, Kimmy Purdy of Peoria, Karen Oliver of Bartonville, Shannon Murphy and Ashley Lloyd, both of Pekin and ten grandchildren, including Ethan Hale, Lynessa Hale and Robert Lloyd, III. He also leaves two great-grandchildren; one brother, Bobby Hale of Florida; three sisters, Barbara Avery of Florida, Brenda McDaniels and Becky Gifford, both of Pekin and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and one brother.

Benny was of the Baptist faith.

He worked for Premier Cleaning Company for many years. He previously was a member and worked out of Laborers Local 231 in Pekin.

He loved shooting pool and was proud to have won several championships. He also was an artist and loved to draw and sketch. He made crafts and enjoyed working with wood. Most of all, though, he loved being around his grandchildren. He was also fond of his Busch Beer and fishing.

His memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The Rev. Jim Dawson will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Burial of his cremated remains will follow in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2501 Chatham Road, Suite 210, Springfield, IL 62704.

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