William D. Bevis

William D. Bevis, 84, of Peoria passed away at 2:20am Monday, October 8, 2012 at Manor Court of Peoria. Born, August 5, 1928 in Newton, IL the son of Roy and Marie Parks Bevis. He married Kathleen Clayton on January 14, 1978 in Peoria. Surviving is his wife, as well as one brother George (Dorothy) Bevis of Baton Rouge, LA. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, John (Jana) Knezovich of Ft. Collins, CO; Larry (Shelly) Bevis of Gulf Breeze, FL; Kathy Preckshot of Edwards, IL; Steve (Deborah) Knezovich of Lafayette; IN, Barbara Bevis of Baton Rouge, LA; Janis (Stephen) Kidd of East, Peoria, IL; Jennice (Larry) Fritz of Elmhurst, IL; Debbie Bevis of Baton Rouge, LA; Kevin (Arlene) Bevis of St. Paul, MN; David (Candice) Bevis of Belgrade; MN; Anthony (Linda) Knezovich of Vernon Hills, IL and Jeffrey (Kimberly) Knezovich of Naperville, IL. Further surviving are many great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. One sister Rosemary Knezovich and one brother Burton Bevis preceded him in death. He attended Newton public schools where he was involved in the Boy Scouts of America. He attended Eastern Illinois University and upon graduation he was accepted into the apprenticeship program at Caterpillar Tractor in 1949. He worked for Cat for several years then enlisted in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he then moved back to Peoria working for caterpillar while attending Bradley University, achieving a degree in Chemistry in June of 1957. He retired from Caterpillar October 1, 1990 after 41 years of service. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Peoria, and Mohammed Shrine Temple all in Peoria. He enjoyed tennis, golf, biking, photography, traveling, gardening and flying as a licensed pilot. Cremation Rites have been accorded with a memorial service being held at a later date. Burial of his remains will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL at a later date. Memorials in his name may be given to Harbor Lights Hospice or to the American Diabetes Association.