PEKIN - Phillip A. Cantrell, 70, of Pekin passed away at 10:25 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at his home. He was surrounded by his family who loved and cared for him very much. He went to be with his Lord.

Born Sept. 5, 1942, in Kewanee to William and Helen (Gillespie) Cantrell, he married Betty Low on May 16, 1965, in Kewanee. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Gina (Michael) Antonini of North Pekin; one sister, Leanna (Keith) Williams of Kewanee; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and a lifelong friend, Van (Linda) DeVilder of Kewanee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Lynn Cantrell; and one infant brother, William Cantrell.

Phil was a 1960 graduate of Wethersfield High School in Kewanee.

A U.S. Navy veteran, he served from May 31, 1960, to Aug. 21, 1963. He had served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk.

Phil worked as a machinist at Caterpillar Inc. in East Peoria for 30 years, retiring in 1994. After his retirement, he worked for the Pekin Park District in maintenance and also bike trail maintenance.

He volunteered at the Pekin Boys & Girls Club for the past 18 years. His passion was playing pool, and he thoroughly enjoyed his time there teaching the youth to play. He loved being around children.

Phil was a Christian and was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin. He was part of the recycling team and helped maintain the church parking lot.

His life ended far too quickly, but irreplaceable memories and stories will be told many times. We will always remember his "Phil-erisms" and "Phil-osophies." He will be remembered for his welcoming smile, quick wit and his kindness.

Our family chain has been broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

His memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, where visitation will be one hour before the service. The Rev. Steve Anderson will officiate. Cremation will be accorded.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Pekin Boys & Girls Club, 1101 Veerman St., Pekin, IL 61554 or to the Brain Injury Group, 218 Terminal St., East Peoria, IL 61611.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star on Dec. 29, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Cantrell

4 Entries

Dorance Calhoun

January 1, 2013

I am sure Phil will be missed. His sunny smile and sense of humor are a couple of qualities that come to mind as I think about him. The last time I saw him was at our 50th reunion a couple of years ago. I regret not being able to see him again so we could chuckle over the "Phil-erisms" I remember from high school, along with other memories. Our prayers are with and for his family.

Ron Partridge

December 31, 2012

Very sorry to hear of Phil's passing. I remember him as a gentle, humorous guy, well liked by everyone. My sympathy and condolences to family and friends.
Ron Partridge, WHS Class of '60

December 29, 2012

Another friend in glory...I will miss Phil's smile at the Miller Center on Fridays! (One of the quilting ladies, Debbie)

December 29, 2012

Betty and Gina,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and the rest of your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Phil will be greatly missed. He was such a kind person and had a great sense of humor.
Love,
Connie Gerard

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

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