Alan D. Grady

Peoria – Alan D. Grady, 71, of Peoria, passed away at 10:00 PM on Sunday, August 18, 2019 at his sister Patricia’s residence. She and her husband, Richard, were by his side in his final moments. He was born on October 26, 1947 in Canton, IL to Orlistus “Bob” and Anna “Louise” (Moore) Grady. He met Carol Wiley, the love of his life, at Eureka college and married her on May 22, 1970 in Peoria, IL as soon as they’d both graduated. Carol preceded him in death in 2007 from cancer. Alan’s heart weakened after losing her. He still managed to summon enough strength to beat APL, an aggressive Leukemia, but though he achieved remission, the cancer weakened his heart further.

Alan was also preceded in death by his parents, one brother: Richard Grady, and two sisters: Janet Garcia and Mary Lee Grady.

Surviving are three children, Richard (Jen) Grady of Battle Creek, MI, Marcy (Doug) Miller of Naperville, IL, and Katherine (David) Stobaugh of Peoria, IL; four grandchildren, Kevin, Erin, Penelope, and Zachary; one brother, Robert (Emily) Grady of Trivoli; three sisters, Ella “Lou” (the late Larry) Little, Patricia (Richard) Bosley, and Sara (Luke) Starcevich; and brother-in law, Dana Becker. Family was everything to Alan and he was blessed to have many relatives close by, including those of his late wife who remained close with him after her passing.

Alan retired from Morton Buildings to work at the Grady’s Christmas Tree Farm. Having grown up on the farm he was an avid nature lover his whole life. He was most content when he was walking or mowing among the trees and listening to the many songbirds.  He wanted others to love the land as much as he did. Alan served as scoutmaster for the Scouts BSA and Girl Scouts of America for several decades and helped his three children, plus many more scouts, reach the highest ranks of Eagle Scout (BSA) and Gold Award (GSA.)

Both Alan and Carol were avid readers and instilled in their children a love of books. Alan read to the children so often in their formative years that even late in life he could still recite many Dr. Seuss books by heart, which he did for his grandchildren upon request, especially “The Grinch” and “The Lorax.” He was a loving father and a doting grandfather, showering the grandkids kids with love, books and Legos. He always made time to play a Kingdom Hearts video game, make a complex jigsaw puzzle or fly a kite.

Quick with a quip or a terrible pun, he was very clever and quick witted. Exceptionally deft with both math and word puzzles, he enjoyed solving complicated logic problems, riddles and encryptions. He had a secret silly side and loved to sing old songs or tell jokes. Musically gifted but never formally trained, he could play a piece of music on the piano after hearing it only once.

Alan served stateside in the Air Force during the Vietnam conflict, but was reluctant to take credit for serving his country. A humble man, he was proud when he saw random acts of kindness in the world. He often did them himself but only when he could remain anonymous.

Memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington where a visitation will be held from 10-11 AM. Rev. Kevin VanTine will officiate. Burial of ashes will follow at Brunswick Cemetery in Rural Trivoli, IL. Cremation rites will be accorded with Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or Scouts: BSA or Girl Scouts of America. To view Alan’s DVD or to make online condolences you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com