Kenneth L. Monks

WASHINGTON?Kenneth L. Monks, 74, of Washington, passed away at 1:05 p.m., Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at his home. Ken was born on April 3, 1939 in Mapleton to Fred and Evelyn (McCullough) Monks. He married Sharon Newell in Peoria on December 29, 1973. Sharon died on August 23, 2009 in Peoria. Among those surviving are two sons, Jeffrey Monks of Austin, Texas and Myron (Debra) Weaver of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; five daughters, Cleora (Bob) Sharkey of Westminster, Maryland, Katherine (John) Sanderson of Springfield, Virginia, Dee (Paul) Hoffman of Kickapoo; Anna (Kenny) Pretty and Edie (Will) Pullen, both of Peoria; one brother, Jack (Patti) Monks of Mapleton; three sisters, Marlene Fahnders of Green Valley, JoAnn (Jack) Gibson and Cheryl Monks, both of Glasford; nine grandchildren, two step grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Ken is also survived by his two pet companions, Qbert and Momo. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, two brothers and his pet, Holly. Ken retired from Caterpillar in East Peoria in 1999. In his 34 years with Caterpillar he had worked as a fork lift operator and later in the tool crib. After retiring from Caterpillar, he worked another ten years at Jellystone Campground in Goodfield. He was a veteran and had served in the U.S. Army. Ken was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, enjoyed watching NASCAR races and in his spare time enjoyed woodworking. A service to celebrate Ken?s life will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington with Pastor Sunny Mooney officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be later at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Mapleton. Memorials for Ken may be directed to either Illinois Cancer Center or OSF Hospice. Online condolences to the family may be made at masonfuneralhomes.com