Cecil Elwood Minter, 99, of East Peoria, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Monday, January 26, 2026.

He was born December 21, 1926 in Symsonia, Kentucky to the late Cecil Clyde and Verna (Finch) Minter.  He married Shirley J. Dark in Peoria, Illinois on August 25, 1956.  She survives.

Also surviving are two sons: Gary (Sherry) Minter and Terry Minter; six grandchildren: Clint Minter, Curt (Adrielle) Minter, Paige Minter, Rachel (Richard) Kemper, Sarah Minter, and Rebekah (Andrew) Watkins; eleven great-grandchildren: Paxton, Oland, Aiyanna, Milah, Kinley, Aaliyah, Ainsley, Harper, Ella, Oliver, and Luna; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by seven siblings: Marie Gates, Virgil Minter, Bill Minter, Dovie Crowley, Glendon Minter, Joe Edd Minter, and Avery Gene Minter.

Cecil was a United States World War II Navy veteran.  He proudly and bravely served on the destroyer U.S.S. Farenholt in the Pacific theater.  At the end of the war and after completing his service, Cecil returned to his job at LeTourneau / WABCO where he worked as a machine operator.  After 47 years of service, he retired in 1992 as the company's top machinist.

After professing Jesus as his Savior, Cecil was baptized and joined Beverly Manor Missionary Baptist Church in Washington, Illinois on June 11, 2006.  He loved and took care of his wife and family with all his might.  He looked so forward to his annual Canadian fly-in fishing trips with his family and friends.  He also enjoyed gardening and repairing cars, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  The example he set and the lessons he taught those around him are priceless.

Cecil's funeral service will be at Beverly Manor Missionary Baptist Church in Washington at noon on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with Pastor Jason Shults officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 11am until noon at the church.  Entombment will follow at Swan Lake Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Peoria.  Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Beverly Manor Missionary Baptist Church.