George Lacy, Sr., 97, of Metamora, formerly of Washington, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026 at OSF. St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

George was born February 25, 1928 in Lamar, Co to the late Arza Stone and Myrtle Lily Smith Lacy. He married Wanda L. Lutz on February 24, 1952 in Peoria; she preceded him in death on October 19, 2013.

Surviving are his children, Charlotte (Jacy) Fisher, Kathy (Kent) Casey, and George (Lori) Lacy, Jr.; grandchildren, D. Thomas Casey, Kenda (Steve) Gelling, Michael (Teresa) Marliere, and Caitlyn (Tyler) Nelson; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Gelling, Lucina Casey, and Adalynn Marliere; and his sisters, Verna Jett and Mary Hanson.

He was also preceded in death by his son Larry Gene Lacy, and 3 siblings.

George was a World War II era Navy veteran, serving from 1946-1948. He, Wanda and the two girls moved to Arizona where George was born and he worked at a grocery store in Sun City.  Upon their return to Illinois, he worked at several southern Illinois grocery stores until purchasing the Benld IGA.  In 1973, the family returned to the Peoria area and he returned to Caterpillar as a machinist.  He retired in 1990 and enjoyed woodworking, collecting and restoring antiques, restoring automobile upholstery and always kept busy. Most of all he loved his family.  His sense of humor and his teasing will be missed. George lived a life of faith and did his best to follow and honor Christ.

A funeral service with military honors will be held at 11:00am Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Private interment will be at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Snyder Village Resident in Need Fund.