Earl LeRoy McAdams

Born February 2, 1935 in Peoria to Roy and Fay (Birch) McAdams, he married Betty L. Byrd on January 21, 1954 in Pekin.

Surviving are his wife; 1 son, Michael L. (Chris) McAdams of Elizabethton, Tennessee; 2 daughters, Deborah L. (Tim) Horchem and Donna L. (Dean) Alton, both of Manito; 11 grandchildren, Michele Wyss, Bill Horchem, Marcia Patlan, Rachel Cole, Melonie Young, RaeLynn McAdams, Jason Hankins, Jaime Alton, Brandon Alton, Hannah McAdams, and Alexa McAdams; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Rink (Betty) McAdams; and 3 sisters, Audrey Ashlock of Coarsgold, California, Helen (Leland) Welch of Jerseyville, and Sharon (Bud) Garbett of Fresno, California.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; 1 daughter, Brenda Hankins; 1 grandson, Caleb McAdams; and 1 sister, Juanita Holmes.

He was employed by Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria for over 31 years, retiring as a millwright in 1986 from the Tech Center in Mossville.

Earl was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Pekin.

He enjoyed camping, traveling, gardening, and was a devoted family man.

Earl was a loyal St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m., Monday, November 17, 2008at Bethel Baptist Church in Pekin. Rev. Steven M. Rowell, Sr. will officiate. Visitation will be from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m., prior to the funeral at the church. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 2720 Broadway Rd., Pekin, IL 61554

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.