Frank Willard Tidaback Jr.

Frank W. Tidaback Jr., 82, of Pekin, IL passed away at 10:30 PM Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Pekin Manor with his family by his side. Frank was born on October 30, 1940 in Peoria, IL to Frank Willard and Lucille Virginia (Strader) Tidaback Sr. He married Barbara Lantz on June 11, 1977 in Pekin. Preceding him in death are his parents and son-in-law, Richard Campbell. Surviving are: his wife, Barbara of Pekin; one daughter, Lara Campbell of Pekin; one granddaughter, Ginsey Campbell of Pekin; one brother, Earl Tidaback of Pekin. Frank was a United States Navy Fighter Pilot during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Captain. He earned two Purple Hearts, two Silver Stars and one Bronze Star during his service. Afterwards he worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, Pan American World Air Ways and Boeing. He then worked for Caterpillar, Inc as a Supervising Engineer for 38 years, retiring in 2002. After retirement, he served as an assistant to the Secretary of the Navy from 2003-2005. He then served as a special Presidential Envoy from 2006-2007. Additionally, he served as the Acting Secretary of the Navy three times, and advisor to the State Department. He achieved the rank of Admiral Lower Half. Frank was a member of the First Christian Church of Pekin, Tazewell County Museum, Civil Air Patrol and Heart of Illinois Amateur Radio Club. Funeral services will be at 11:30 am, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Mark Foglio officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, also at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens with the United States Navy and the Tazewell Military Rites Team providing military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell County Museum or Greenville University. Funeral Service Wednesday, January 11, 2023 11:30 AM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,Illinois 61554 Visitation Wednesday, January 11, 2023 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,Illinois 61554