Obituary Darell F. Austin, 66, formerly of Pekin, IL passed away peacefully at 6:26 pm Monday, May 10, 2010 at the home of his sister in Vista, California having lost his courageous battle with cancer. He had fought the illness for a year and a half, taking one day at a time, hoping to overcome the devastating illness. His positive attitude and resilient effort to overcome the illness was an inspiration to everyone. Surviving are his mother and stepfather, Nola (Ernest) Foster of Pekin, IL, sister, Donna (Ralph) Walters of Vista, CA, daughter, Deidre (Mark) Hallick of Brimfield, IL, step-brothers, James (Wynona) Foster of Colorado Springs, CO and David (Debbie) Foster of East Peoria,IL, an aunt, Hazel Thomason of Wayne City, IL, niece, Kristin Frank of Manhattan,NY, a host of cousins, friends and his granddaughter, Morgan Hallick, 3 years old. She was Darell's pride and joy, and will greatly miss her PaPa, as will many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Austin and his brother, Denzil Austin. A native of the Peoria area, he worked in management capacity for Caterpillar Inc. for 20 plus years. His next stop was Sarasota, FL where he worked for the County of Manatee as Compensation Administrator. Three years ago he returned to his roots and family and spent the last few years of his life in Pekin. Darell also was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, and the Scottish Rite. Services for Darell will be at 10:30 am Monday May 17, 2010 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria. Pastor Pat Gareau will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Sunday, May 16, 2010 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria. Darell's memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com where condolences may also be sent to the family.