George Beasley

EAST PEORIA - George Henry Beasley, 84, of East Peoria passed away at 5:15 a.m. Monday, Nov. 29, 2010, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

He was born Jan. 12, 1926, to Ollie and Henry Beasley in Hillsboro, Ill. He married Arvilla E. Jeske on May 29, 1949. They had been married 61 years.

Surviving are his wife, Arvilla; one son, Mark (Becky) Beasley of Morton, Ill.; one daughter, Kim (Andy) Hansen of East Peoria; and three granddaughters, Breanne King of Japan, Alex Lewis of Center Point, Iowa, and Kristina Berry of Morton, Ill. He also is survived by his five great-grandchildren, George and Henry Lewis, Baileigh, Ryleigh and Whitleigh King; brother, Ray of Washington, Ill.; sister, Bert Henry of Midlothian, Va., and a sister, Betty Jo Gumpter of Atwater, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, three brothers and one granddaughter.

He was a World War II veteran, serving in the United States Army Air Corps.

He retired in management from Caterpillar Inc. with 32 years of service.

He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Pa Pa" and "Gappy G."

His special friend was his dog, "Sparky."

George was an excellent craftsman, and was always there to help his family and friends.

He will be greatly missed by his family.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co., Pekin/Peoria, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at csmico.com.