John L. Waters, 88, of Peoria passed away at 12:05am, Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.
He was born April 27, 1930, in Hanna City, IL the son of the late John H. and Hester H. (Truscott) Waters.
He married the love of his life Barbara J. Osburn on June 11, 1952, in San Clemente, CA. Together they shared 60 years of marriage. She passed away on December 9, 2012. Two brothers Charles “Chuck’ and Robert “Bob” also preceded him in death.
Surviving are one son Terry (Diane) Waters of Hanna City and one daughter Julie Waters of Peoria. Also surviving are two granddaughters Sarah (Jim) Ghiglieri and Lauren (Ryan) Rumler both of Washington along with four great grandchildren.
John joined the U.S. Air Force in 1947 and was later drafted by the U.S. Marine Corp in 1951 serving during the Korean Conflict, before being honorably discharged. He was employed as a Business Agent for International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 627 from August 1963 until his retirement in December of 1986.
John served on the Peoria County Board from 1969 until 1978. He was an early member of PARC (EPIC) where he assisted building the organization in its early years. John was a member of the American Legion Post 979 in Bartonvile, Amvets Post # 64, and Elks Lodge #20 both in Peoria, Masonic Lodge #263, Valley of Peoria Scottish Rite and Mohammed Shriners of Peoria, TNT Club, and was also an active member of the Teamsters Retiree Club.
John was an avid golfer, enjoyed traveling, a diehard Cub’s fan and a lifelong supporter of the Democratic Party. He was well read and loved a good conversation.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held 10:30am, Saturday, August, 11, 2018, at Forrest Hill United Methodist Church, 706 E. Forrest Hill Ave in Peoria. His nephew, Andy Hoskins will officiate. There will be no visitation. Burial of his remains will be at a later date in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be given to EPIC 1913 W Townline Rd, Peoria, IL 61615. To share a memory with John’s family visit www.peoriafuneral.com
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