Cuyler J. Barnum

He was born December 27, 2000 in Pekin to Jack Barnum and Sarah Bargar. They survive.

Also surviving are his step-mother, Jennifer Barnum of Pekin; three brothers, Carter Barnum, Carson Bargar and Connor Matheny, all of Pekin; grandparents; Cheryl (Mike) Skaggs of Manito, Lois Barnum of Pekin, Jack Barnum of Green Valley and Jeff (Lisa) Bargar of Florida; one great-grandmother, Marilyn Ghidina of Pekin; two aunts, Michelle (Jeff) Egan of Pekin and Carol (Carl) Lingenfelser of Osceola, Missouri; two uncles, Kevin (Brenna) Brackett of Pekin and Brian (Amanda Crumpler) Brackett of Springfield; several cousins, including, Owen Egan of Pekin and Breanne “B-anne” Lingenfelser of Osceola Missouri; many great aunt and uncles; three nephews, Major, Maddox and Maverick Bargar, all of Pekin; his girlfriend, Ashlyn Gent of Groveland; his beloved dog, Miss Colt and his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Francis “Bud” and Sherly Brackett and grandfather, Lawrence “Junior” Ghidina; great-grandparents, Lee and Loretta Fennel and Wayne and Mildred Barnum.

Cuyler was a graduate of Pekin Community High School, where he was a member of the bass fishing team. He later attended Wabash Valley College receiving his Associates Degree and was a member of the S3DA Archery Division. He was a three time state of Illinois Champion, ranking 5th and 16th in the Nation. While competing with Wabash Valley College he held a national performance record. He also competed in his other activities as well and had received too many honors to mention.

He worked for Ox Industries in Pekin, where he began in his senior year of high school and continued throughout college.

Cuyler was a member of both the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. An outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing, riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes.

He had a talent for creating things and always kept his family guessing what his next hobby would be. He knew facts about everything, especially nature, survival and animals. He loved animals and even cared for a stray cat named “Blackie” at work.

Cuyler enjoyed playing golf, rugby and racing BMX bikes. He didn’t know a stranger and was loved by everyone.

His memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Shane Hawkins will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

A gathering celebrating Cuyler’s life be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pekin Archers, 2501 Edgewater Drive, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

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