Mr. John M. Presley, Galesburg Chapel
66 of Wataga, died at home on Sunday, June 3rd after a year long battle with a brain tumor.
He was born on June 19, 1945 in Taunton, MA, the son of Marion W. & Marguerite Presley. He married Linda (Engle) Swanson on June 14, 2003 at the Lake of the Ozarks Chapel.
He is survived by his wife Linda; a daughter, Toni Litton of Kewanee; a son, Griffin Presley of Wataga; three grandchildren, Tyler, Tanner & Brittney Litton of Kewanee; two step-daughters, Jami Maher & Staci (Troy) Simpson, all of Wataga; six step-grandchildren, Jaci, Jordan & Joshtin Maher, Hunter Hepner, Chesni and Charley Simpson all of Wataga; two step-sons, Jeff (Kari) Johnson of Galesburg & Doug (Heather) Johnson of Bolingbrook; five step-grandchildren, Shandy (Justin) Johnson, Matthew, Jordan and Kaden Johnson, Blake & Brandon Johnson & 2 step great-grandchildren; three brothers, David (Darlene) Presley of Batesville, AR, Ron (Linda) Royal of Savannah, MO. and Robert (Marie) Royal of Brooksville, FL and two sisters, Linda (Kenny) Collins of Jasper, AR, Bev (Joe) Adams of Saco, ME.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Jimmy Presley.
John worked for the City of Galesburg for 25 years, retiring in Dec. 2009. He graduated from Warren High School in 1963. He was the current Exalted Ruler of the Galesburg Elks Lodge #894. John spent many years playing softball for various leagues and participating in weightlifting competitions such as the Masters Weightlifting competition in St. Louis, earning 2nd place. John loved drag racing, watching his “John Wayne” westerns on TV, riding his Harley, traveling and spending time with his family & friends. John was a very outgoing person who impacted a lot of lives throughout his life. Known as “Big Daddy” to many family & friends, he maintained a strong, positive attitude through this battle. He will be so missed by everyone.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 7, 2012 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Home in Galesburg. Cremation will follow.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elks Club #894, 1640 N. Henderson St. in Galesburg on Friday, June 8th from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for his grandchildren’s education fund, to establish a Hospice House & for a memorial at the Elks.
Linda and Family,
I am so sorry, my heart goes out to you. John was a wonderful man, it was my pleasure to have known him. I am so happy I saw the two of you a couple weeks ago.
Linda Tate
I am so sorry to hear about your loss! I hope that you find happiness in all the memories! Love you all-Lynn
Linda,
I am so sorry to hear about John! My heart & prayers go out to you and your family.
Rhonda Warren
Linda & Family,
Sorry to hear of Johns passing your in our thoughts and prayers
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MIKE WAS FRIENDS WITH JOHN FOR MANY YEARS AND I KNEW HIM FROM MY TIME AT BRADS GYM, HE WAS A WARM AND OUTGOING PERSON.
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS JOHN WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND TEAMMATE.
I am truly sorry to hear of your families loss! You will be in my prayers. Holly
I am so sorry to learn of John’s passing. I knew him for many years. I was the wife of “Big Mix” before his passing in 1998. I watched those two play many a softball game back in the day. Linda, my prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you!!
Linda,
So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. My heart & thoughts go out to you and John’s family. Cherish the memories and good times you & John shared, they will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you & the family. Take care & be strong!
Linda,
I will always remember Johns great smile!! He was always so happy and very nice to me all through the years! You knew when he walked into a room and could make anyway laugh and feel welcome. It goes without saying he will be missed . Please know we are thinking of you and all the family. God Bless.
John and jeannie
I’m so sorry for your loss, Linda. I will keep you in my thoughts during these next difficult days.
I was so sorry to read about John’s passing. We were friends for many years and even though I moved away and hadn’t seen John since 2009 I will always remember the great friendship we shared. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
•May God watch over your family during your time of need. With our sincere sympathy.
Always and forever a friend …
Staci and family,
I am sure there are many friends that will help you and your families get through this horrible time of loss, and I am also sure there will never be enough friends to make it easy to do. I am glad that you had the time together that you had. I didn’t know him, but I know you and if you loved him, he must have been wonderful. I will keep you and yours in my heart and in my prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you Linda and you familes during this difficult time.
I am sorry to learn of Johns passing. I remember John from the softball leagues many years ago & he was a great guy & fun to play against. My thoughts are with you and your family during this saddest of times.
Linda, There is only great loss when there is great love. I am thankful for the love you shared with “big daddy” and I am so sorry for your great loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. Bill and Sharon Bjorling
Linda & Family
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of John. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. John was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed. May God give you comfort and peace in the days ahead. – Gary and Stephanie Smith
Linda, I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I know he will be missed by you and your many friends. I hope they can be of some comfort durnig this difficult time.
Linda my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .
I’m so sorry for your loss…. Our hearts & prayers go out to you & your family…..