Mr. Antonio Avila

Mr. Antonio "Cago" Avila, 37 of Peoria, IL, passed away at 6 am on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at his residence.
Antonio was born in Chicago, IL on June 12, 1987 to Lolita Russell Flowers and Ricardo Avila.
Antonio moved with his family at the age of four years old to Peoria, IL. He was a graduate of Richwoods High School. During high school he worked at Red Carpet Carwash. He last worked at Landmark Recreational Center as a maintenance manager until his illness in January of 2025.
Antonio had a smile that would melt your heart and he loved his family and friends faithfully. He would give you the shirt off his back. Antonio's musical gifts can be heard to this day. He was extremely talented.
Antonio's children were a blessing to him; for he loved and cherished them dearly. Anytime spent with them would reflect in his smile.
Antonio leaves to cherish his memory, his mother, Lolita Russell Flowers of Peoria, IL; his son, DeAndre Holcomb of Peoria Heights, IL; one daughter, MaKynzie Lindsey; two sisters, Tiffany Flowers and Becky Gulley both of Peoria, IL; his fiancé and the love of his life, Elexus "Sasha" Dotzert of Peoria, IL; his maternal grandmother, Gertrude Russell of Chicago, IL; two nieces, Harmene Flowers and Lyric Flowers both of Peoria, IL; Godmother, Tracey Crouthers of Chicago, IL; one uncle, Walter "Boo" Mahone of Hot Springs, AR; three cousins, Sherri Mahone of Atlanta, GA, Elliot Pleasants of San Diego, CA who checked on Antonio daily and Trent Wilkins of Peoria, IL; his adopted brothers, Sharif Campbell, Joe Lee Holbrook, Treye Collins, Justin Murdock and Taylor Murdock all of Peoria, IL and a host of other family and friends who loved him. He is preceded in death by his father; one brother, Eddie Flowers; maternal grandfather, John Russell and grandmother, Ethel Martin.
Even though Antonio could not walk or talk toward the end, his smile would always shine through.
POEM
I thought of you today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you, yesterday and days before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.
All I have are memories and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is a keepsake from which I'll never part.
God has you in His arms, I have you in my heart
Love Always,
Mama
A memorial service will be held at a later date.