Greg Allan Phelps

Greg Allan Phelps, 67, of Glasford, passed away at 12:06 PM on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He had a long fight with diabetes and a short and sudden battle with cancer. He was born on December 15, 1957, in Canton, a son of Elmer Bowers Phelps and Norma Jean (Vaughn) Phelps. He married Cheryl Webster on June 12, 1986, in Peoria. She survives.
Also surviving are his children, Jenny Phelps; David Phelps, and Keith "Skippy" Phelps; sister, Barbara Tribe of East Peoria; three brothers, Douglas Phelps of Spokane, Washington; Clayton (Jessika Siregar) Phelps of Glasford; Lenord Phelps of East Peoria; a step-sister, Melinda (Jack Sydney) Stewart Ledbetter of East Peoria; and two step-brothers, Daniel "Dan" (Donna) Stewart of East Peoria, and Randall "Randy" (Bonnie) Stewart of Saybrook.
Greg often talked about the times he spent with his nieces and nephews as they were growing up. He loved to tease them when they were kids, telling them stories like how little men painted strawberries to change them from green to red. He liked to bring up "That Camping Trip" (if you know, you know).
Greg owned and operated Phelps Plumbing and Heating for 35-plus years. He installed many water softeners and water heaters for Sears. He worked hard to put his three kids through Peoria Christian School while his faithful wife helped him take care of the home and the kids.
He was a member of the Smithville Bible Church in Hanna City. He loved being behind the scenes at church, keeping up with the maintenance of the building and ensuring the heat and air conditioning worked. Greg was always willing to lend a hand and make sure everyone felt welcome. He had the gift of hospitality and liked working in the kitchen for any carry-in events or potlucks.
Greg had a DEEP love for Jesus and his family. He loved to sing and whistle. Pastor Larry nicknamed him "The Singing Deacon." He had a goofy, old-fashioned sense of humor and was known for wearing mismatched socks. He did that as his way of bucking the system. "You have to follow so many rules and pay your taxes, but you don't have to wear matching socks!"
He developed a love for farming from his grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Vaughn, and passed that on to his children. He raised mostly beef cattle and chickens but also tried raising sheep, pigs, goats, turkeys, and ducks.
Greg always loved planting a garden that was a little too big. Green beans, tomatoes, asparagus, black raspberries, and fruit trees galore. He always made sure to plant plenty of green peppers for Jenny's guinea pigs. He spent a lot of hot days canning green beans and tomatoes.
Per Greg's wishes, there will be a celebration of life gathering held on Sunday, May 25, 2025 from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Smithville Bible Church. Cremation rites will be accorded through Endsley-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Bartonville. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Smithville Bible Church, 12925 West Smithville Road, Hanna City, Illinois 61536, or to Faith Bible Camp, 849 Knox Road 2200 East, Yates City, Illinois 61572. To leave online condolences, please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com