John Metzger

DUNLAP - John William Metzger, 84, of Dunlap died at 12:22 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011, at OSF St. Clare Home in Peoria Heights.

He was born Jan. 29, 1927, in South Bend, Ind., the son of Grover and Hazel Rarick Metzger. He married Kathryn J. Brownell on April 18, 1953, at her parents' home in Lowell, Ind.

She survives, along with one son, William Craig "Bill" Metzger of Dunlap; one sister, Olive Lieberman of Carlsbad, Calif.; four nieces, Corrine (Bill) Lieberman Blanco, Kathryn Ann (David) Metzger Kreiton, Jane (Charles) Metzger Plummer, and Marianne Phillips Danch; and eight nephews, Steven (Victoria) Lieberman, Jon (Val) Phillips, George (Charlene) Metzger, Richard (Susan) Lieberman, Thomas Metzger, Dennis (Debbie) Lieberman, Kelly (Debbie) Phillips, and Richard (Linda) Metzger.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Harrison 'Bus' Metzger, Robert Metzger, and George Metzger, and one sister, Dorothy Mae Phillips.

John attended Purdue University and graduated from Trine University with a degree in accounting and business administration. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, serving as a second lieutenant as part of the occupation forces in Japan. He then served as a first lieutenant during the Korean conflict from 1951 to 1953.

At the end of his military service, he began working in private accounting for various firms, including Arthur Andersen and McGladrey, Hansen & Dunn. From 1975 to 1989, he worked as a certified public accountant for CILCO in systems auditing. From 1997 to 2004, he worked in information technology for OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.

John was a volunteer for the African-American History Museum in Peoria, and was a former member of the Kiwanis. For a time, he worked through CILCO and the Small Business Administration in advising new businesses. He was a life member of VFW Post 3883, Bartonville, Dunlap American Legion Post 1078, and a member of Prospect United Methodist Church.

Cremation has been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011, at Prospect United Methodist Church. The Rev. Curt Keller will officiate. Burial will follow at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to Prospect United Methodist Church or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, Princeville, is in charge of arrangements.

Private condolences may be sent to the family via www.hammitt-hott.com.