Leland Neil Junker

Leland N. Junker, 83, of Pickens, Mississippi, millwright and carpenter, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010 at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson Mississippi, where he had been a patient since Nov. 22, 2010. Graveside services will be10:00 AM Saturday, May 28, 2011at Maple Ridge Cemetery near Mapleton, Illinois. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Bartonville American Legion Post #979. Henderson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Leland was born to Raymond P. and Lena M. Junker in Hollis Township, Peoria County on July 29, 1927. He married Nilene Church in 1951. She survives him along with three daughters: Laura Leathers (Jack) of Pickens, Susan Junker (Dennis Birchall) of San Antonio, Texas, and Jennifer Jarrett (James) of Bloomfield, Kentucky; his sister, Marcella Barker of Peoria, Illinois, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Raymond, Gerald, and Forrest, and one nephew. In addition to his career in the carpentry trade his community work with youth was even more important to him; Americanism programs, Oratorical and Essay contests, as well as veterans services. His favorite past times included storytelling and sharing his love for history. He was a WWII Army veteran serving in Germany and later was recalled for the Korean conflict and served at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He joined the Pekin Carpenter's Local 644 in 1948 and retired from Peoria Local 183. He was a continuous member for 50 plus years. He was a life member of the American Legion since 1957 and served as Commander at the post, county, and district levels. He belonged to Glasford Post 35 and Bartonville Post 979 (Illinois); and at his death to Post 44 in Kosciusko, Mississippi. He served on the Department of Internal Affairs committee for 26 years. He was accepted into the Pekin Masonic Lodge in 1948 and had continuous membership until his death. He was a plural member of A.B. Jones Lodge 529 in Camden, Mississippi, where he served as secretary. He served as Chef de Gare of Peopria County Voiture 529, 40 & 8, joining in 1968. Memorials may be made to the following: Shriners Hospitals for Children, Shriners International Headquarters; 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607; Camden Masonic Lodge 529, P.O. Box 231, Camden, MS. 39045; or Pickens Baptist Church, P.O. Box 399; Pickens, Ms 39146. Cemetery Maple Ridge Cemetery 9507 W. Mapleridge Road Mapleton,IL 61547