PEKIN ~ Larry Glen Harper, 69, of Pekin, passed away at 1:05 a.m. Monday, July 30, 2012 at Pekin Hospital.
Born October 21, 1942 in Vienna to James Fred and Amy Elizabeth (Martin) Harper, he married Barbara Ann Payton on August 25, 1962 in Springfield. She survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Lori Lynne Day of Pekin; one granddaughter, Hailey Rose Rodcay of Pekin; two brothers, Claude Eugene (Velma) Harper of Vienna and Verne (Glenrose) Harper of Olympia, WA and one sister, Rosalie (Paul) Steinhour of Springfield. He also leaves two sisters-in-law, Gloria Jean Harper of Pekin and Barbara Lee Harper of Napa, CA.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Joe Benney Harper and Freddie Ray Harper.
Larry worked at Caterpillar, Inc. for 30 years, retiring in 1996.
He was a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, where he was a member and past president of the Friendship Club. He also was a member of the Y.A.M. Adult Sunday school class and served the church as a kitchen volunteer for the children’s ministry on Wednesday evenings.
Larry was a Master Mason with Empire Lodge #126, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Illinois in Pekin for 26 years. He served as Master in 2008, District Deputy Grand Master for two years and was a Certified Lodge Instructor. He served on the Temple Board since 2007 and was currently serving as Treasurer. He also was a member of Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Peoria for 21 years.
He was St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed working on computers. He also was a HAM radio operator with the call sign, KA9FBI. In younger years enjoyed working on cars.
His visitation will be held from 1 to 2:45 p.m. Saturday, August 11, 2012 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Masonic rites will then be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 11, 2012 at the funeral home, with a memorial service immediately following. The Rev. Gary L. Ford will officiate. Cremation has been accorded.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church for the Growing God’s Grace Building Fund, 503 North 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to the Pekin Masonic Temple Association, 338 Elizabeth Street, Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
