John W. Crayton

John William Crayton, 83, of Peoria, passed into eternal life August 4, 2017 at OSF Hospice Home in Peoria. Born June 9, 1934 in Canton, IL to Edgar and Clementine (Weaver) Crayton. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley (Branson) on June 20, 1954 in Canton, IL. Together they raised five children in Washington, Il. Shirley succumbed to cancer in 1995. Love bloomed again for John when he met Nancy Shefts. They married on August 31, 1996 and spent the next twenty years traveling, volunteering, and enjoying their large blended family. "Papa John" is survived by his wife, Nancy; his sister, Kay Walter; four children, Mary (Wayne) Britsch, Becky (Steve) Cummings, Karen (Neal) DeFrees, Mike (Stacy) Crayton; four step-children, Kim (Amir) Shefts, Allison (Chuck) Davis, Jamison Shefts, Lance (Jennifer) Shefts; and numerous precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley; his daughter, Judy (Bruce) Barrick; and his parents. John proudly served his country for eight years in the Navy Reserves, as a corpsman and a Diesel Mechanic Instructor. He was a graduate of Canton High School and Sangamon State University. He was employed by Caterpillar, Inc., for over 50 years. In his role as a Sr. Electronic Development Engineer at Caterpillar's Technical Center he obtained numerous patents for his innovative designs and unique solutions to business problems, pioneering in the field of robotics. Being a man of few words, John showed his deep love and concern for family, friends and neighbors through his actions. He was always first on the scene, toolbox in hand, when anyone needed assistance and enjoyed passing along his knowledge to young people. John combined his passion for helping others with his handyman / engineering / building skills to serve as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. John's family will be celebrating his life in a private service. Friends are encouraged to remember him by performing an act of kindness in his name or by donating to an organization such as Habitat for Humanity. To share sympathies and notes of condolences, visit www.peoriafuneral.com.