Earl R. Harkleroad

Earl R. Harkleroad, 83, of Pekin, IL passed away at 4:35 AM Thursday, October 10, 2019 at Hallmark House Nursing Center in Pekin. Earl was born on May 13, 1936 in Cincinnati Township, Tazewell County, IL to Harold Edward and Lenora (Vancil) Harkleroad. He married Cathie Beale on May 24, 1969 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Pekin. They recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, James and Ernest Harkleroad, one sister, Wilma Chism, and one nephew, Steven Harkleroad, one niece, Colleen Johnson. Surviving are: his best friend and rock, Cathie of Pekin; one sister, Florence Rowell of Pekin; two nephews, who were like a sons, Robert (Kari) Harkleroad and Doyle Rowell of Pekin, and Rob's children, A.J. and Kaeli Harkleroad of Pekin. Earl was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church. He worked as a mechanic at Scherer Buick for 28 years and at Earls Auto Clinic for 12 years. He enjoyed drag racing, snowmobiling, watching NASCAR and going fast. One of his greatest joys was traveling with his wife, Cathie. A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM Monday, October 14, 2019 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory, 2131 Velde Dr., Pekin with Rev. Judy Doyle officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Earl's family would like to thank Harbor Light Hospice and Hallmark House Nursing Center for the wonderful care they gave him. Memorial contributions may be made to TAPS, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin. Cemetery Glendale Memorial Gardens 18119 Illinois Route 9 Pekin,IL 61554 Memorial service Monday, October 14, 2019 11:00 AM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Monday, October 14, 2019 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554