John W. Callear, 74, of Ipava died at 8:51 p.m. Jan. 27, 2009, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born July 23, 1934, in Peoria, a son of Samson and Alta Bell Curtis Callear. He married Elizabeth Witherall on Jan. 29, 1962, in Chicago. She survives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Debbie (and Richard) Magnusson of East Peoria, Mickey (and Floyd) Belless of Texas and Rhonda McQueen of Ipava; one son, John John (and Carol) Callear of Ipava; one brother, Samson Callear of North Pekin; three sisters, Sue Johnson of Creve Couer, Sandy Kay Palmer of Peoria and Toots Hatcher of the state of Tennessee; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by five brothers and sisters.
He was a miner and truck driver. He also worked in the restaurant business for 30 years, most recently at Bernadotte Cafe in Bernadotte.
He was a member of Operating Engineers UAW.
Cremation services have been accorded. Memorial services were held Saturday at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria with Doug Krukewitt officiating. Inurnment will be held at Ipava Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to donor’s choice.