Larry Maddox

EAST PEORIA - Larry Dean Maddox, 64, of Springfield, the father of an East Peoria woman, passed away Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, with his family by his side.

Larry was born Feb. 3, 1948, in Decatur, the son of Paul and Delores (Foglia) Maddox Estell. He graduated from Lakeview High School in Decatur, Class of 1966.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Military Police officer in Berlin, Germany. In basic training he graduated number one in his class, winning numerous awards, including National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter, Army of Occupation Medal in Berlin and the Good Conduct Medal.

He then started his career in law enforcement with the Decatur, Ill., Police Department, after graduating number one in his class at the police academy. He continued to work in law enforcement for the Colorado Springs Police Department and attended Regis College, until he was injured on the job and retired in 1986, the same year he graduated. He worked to establish and supervised enhanced 911 systems and communications throughout the United States, including Kansas and Wisconsin, and the Illinois towns of Decatur, Peoria and DeKalb. Larry moved to Springfield to be closer to family and friends, and worked as Deputy Chief of Security Operations for Securitas Security Services at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. He finished his career working for the State of Illinois at Healthcare and Family Services in Springfield, for the Child Support Call Center.

Larry was a member of Cherry Hills Baptist Church of Springfield.

He leaves behind his mother, Delores Estell of Springfield; sons, Bryan Maddox of Indianola, Iowa, and Kevin Maddox of Springfield; daughter, Pamela Weber of East Peoria and Brandon Weber, father of Braydon and Makenna; sister, Brenda (Jim) Easley of Springfield; brother, Philip (Ronda) Estell of Divernon; grandchildren, Braydon and Makenna Weber and Austin and Kaitlyn Maddox; and one niece and four nephews.

Larry was reunited in heaven with his father Paul E. Maddox; brother, David P. Maddox; and stepfather, Carroll T. Estell.

Larry was a man of faith and an inspiration to all he came into contact with. He was a loving, caring and moral man. He will be missed by his family and friends, as he is welcomed into heaven by loved ones that have passed before him.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Larry's co-workers at Healthcare and Family Services for their generous support and kindness during his illness.

Visitation in Springfield will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, at Bisch & Son Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Road. Services to celebrate Larry's life in Decatur will be 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Cemetery in Decatur, with military honors.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society for researching a cure for pancreatic cancer.

The family of Larry Dean Maddox is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2801 Monroe St., Decatur, Ill.

View the online obituary and send condolences to the family at www.moranand-goebel.com.