Willie J. Rush

Willie J. Rush, 76, of North Pekin passed away at 5:52 pm Friday, February 1, 2008 at Timber Creek Health Care Center. Willie was born October 4, 1931 in Bow, Kentucky to Jim and Cassie (Riddle) Rush. He married L. Joyce Lovelace on February 24, 1956 in Peoria County, Illinois. Surviving are: his wife, Joyce of North Pekin; one daughter, Dede of North Pekin; one son, Alan (and Char) of R.R. Peoria; three granddaughters, Kibby, Kendra and Cassie; one great grandson, Nicholas; three brother, Erbie, James and John Rush all of Kentucky; four sisters, Georgia,Sally,Jewell,and Joyce all of Kentucky. Willie was preceded in death by his parents,two sisters, three half brothers and one half sister. He was an inspector for Caterpillar retiring in 1991 after 30 years of service.Willie was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps attaining the rank of Sergeant.Willie was a member of the National Rifle Association, Tremont Sportsman Club and the Varmint Hunters Association.He was an avid fisherman and hunter. Willie served his community as a trustee on the North Pekin Village board where he was instrumental in creating the John Spurlock Park for children; named for the first North Pekin soldier killed in the Vietnam War. He also served a term as Mayor of North Pekin. He also along with other volunteer firefighters helped build the addition onto the North Pekin Village Hall which was at the time to house the fire engines and hose tower. He was a Cub Scout leader, part time police officer and he along with his wife ran the concession stand for the little league. In the 1990's he was a crossing guard for Rogers School and in later years he played Santa Claus for both Marquette Heights and Rogers grade schools.