Lloyd L. Phelps

GROVELAND – Lloyd L. Phelps, 89, of Groveland, died peacefully Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at his home, surrounded by his entire family. Born on November 29, 1917 in Easton, IL to Lloyd L. and Flossie Brown Phelps Sr., he married Carrie “Carol” Lee Cribb on March 5, 1950 in Washington D.C. She survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters, Sharon (Kenny) Thomas of Tremont, IL, Karen (James) Underwood of Groveland, IL and Stephanie (Robert) Stecken of Eureka, IL. 4 grandchildren, Josh Thomas of Creve Coeur, Toby Thomas of Tremont, and Morgan and Meghan Stecken, both of Eureka, 2 step-grandchildren, Rusty (Becky) Underwood and Kelly (Robert) Lake, both of East Peoria, 2 step-great-granddaughters, and 1 step-great-great granddaughter, and 1 brother John Phelps of Groveland, IL, 1 sister, Norma (Dave) Carson of Orland Park, IL and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 1 infant daughter, Carolyn Danielle and 1 infant son, William Rodney, who are both buried in Arlington National Cemetery and 3 brothers. Lloyd was a US Navy Veteran serving during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theater and the European African – Middle Eastern Campaigns. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the Navy Unit Citation. He was serving aboard the USS Lexington when it sunk and also served on the USS Saratoga as well as many other ships. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He also conducted tests for the Atomic Bomb at Bikini Atoll in 1946. He retired as an officer in 1957 after more than 20 years of service. He later worked as a patent engineer at Caterpillar Tractor Co. for over 21 years, retiring in 1979. He attended Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in East Peoria. Services will be at 11 am Friday, July 20, 2007 at Deiters Funeral Home in East Peoria. Pastor Fred Doughty and Pastor Dick Garber will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Thursday, July 19, 2007 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Hirstein Cemetery in Morton, where full military honors will be accorded by the United States Navy Region Midwest. Memorials may be made to Harbor Light Hospice or to Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church.

Lloyd L. Phelps

November 29, 1917 - July 17, 2007