Daniel J. Whitby

Daniel J. Whitby, 50, of Metamora, IL passed away at 8:21 pm on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

He was born on April 15, 1975, in Peoria, IL, to Richard E. and Anita A. (White) Whitby Jr.

Surviving are his children, Caio (Summer Bath) Whitby of East Peoria, IL, Carmen Whitby of Normal, IL, Isabella Whitby of Metamora, IL, and Laila Bridges of Maplewood, MN; grandson, Demari Whitby; mother, Anita Whitby of Metamora, IL; brother, Fredrick Whitby of East Peoria, IL; sister, Jessica (David) Leach of Metamora, IL; grandmother, Shirley Jackson of Metamora, IL; uncles, Grady Jackson of Metamora, IL and Robert (Sue) Whitby of Peoria, IL; and five nieces and four nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Richard and grandfather, Murel Jackson.

When Dan was younger, he was very athletic and loved playing various sports. In high school, he wrestled and played football all four years and was a captain of the football team his senior year. Dan also played three years of college football. If he wasn’t playing sports, you could find him watching sports with his dad and brother. Dan enjoyed playing fantasy football with his brother and talking for hours about sports. Sunday dinners weren’t complete if you didn’t hear the three of them yelling at the TV about whatever play just took place.

Dan loved hunting, fishing, the outdoors, and a good campfire. He also had a soft spot in his heart for animals and his dogs. His fun-loving, lighthearted personality brought joy and laughter to everyone who knew him. Dan’s faith in Jesus was lived out through his service to others. He was always the first to show up when someone needed help. Sometimes you would find him volunteering at the soup kitchen. He had worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company as a manufacturing engineer.

Most of all, Dan was a dedicated, loving, and hard-working father. His kids were the most important thing to him. It didn’t matter what they needed, he would find some way to be present, supportive, and provide for them. His kids brought him the most joy and love that any father could ask for. Family was a priority for Dan, and he would always be there to help and protect them. Dan will be missed greatly, and for those who loved him, our lives won’t be the same, but his life will be cherished forever.

Cremation Rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with Pastor Nate Noyes officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at the funeral home prior to his service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

DONATIONS:

St. Jude Children's Hospital, 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637