Richard Dean Peabody

Richard Dean Peabody, 80, of Washburn, IL passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 5, 2023, in his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on December 27, 1942, in Peoria, IL, the son of Lloyd and Thelma (Scott) Peabody. He married Juanita “Nita” Banta on March 10, 1963 in Washburn, and they enjoyed over 60 years together.

Dean worked as an auto mechanic for 55 years. He started his career at Schumacher’s, and in 1993 he opened his own business, Dean’s Auto Repair. He continued to serve the community until he retired in 2018. He was a member of the Washburn Fire Department for 40 years, proudly serving as Fire Chief for many of those years. He was also a member of the Cazenovia Township Board serving as trustee and township supervisor for 30 years. Dean was a member at Great Oaks Community Church in Germantown Hills.

Dean was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping, fishing, and hunting with his family, especially at Lake Shelbyville. He was a devoted grandfather and enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s extracurricular activities as much as possible.

Along with his loving wife, Nita, Dean is survived by their children, Scott (Tracy) Peabody, Kyle (Diane) Peabody, and Tricia (Kevin) Linzenmeyer; grandchildren, Ryan, Jamie, Hannah, Justin, Cailee, Alexis, and Mason; great-grandchildren, Addison, Emmy, Navy, Emery, August, and Aspen; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Betty Adolphson, Joanne Bostwick, and Avonne Crank.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Linn-Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Washburn with Pastor Jason Roton officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Washburn Fire Protection District, 115 East Walnut Street, Washburn, IL 61570. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Dean touched are invited to the American Legion, 104 East Parkside Drive, Washburn, IL from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023 to reminisce, grieve, support each other, and, of course, to chat.

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