Harold Middleton, 96, of East Peoria, passed away at 9:35pm on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at Accolade Health Care in East Peoria.

He was born June 19, 1925 in Sherman Township, IL to the late Fred and Viola Barndollar Middleton. He married Julia Hughes on July 19, 1973 in Carthage; she preceded him in death in 2018.

Surviving are his step-daughters, Sandy (Greg) Arnett of Canton and Jo Ann Whitehead of Carbondale; grandson, Jonathon Whitehead; great-granddaughter, Caylee Whitehead; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Harry, Wilford, Bobby, and Beverly; his step-mother, Sally Middleton; son in law, George Whitehead; and grandson, Christopher Whitehead.

Harold grew up in Mason County and served in the Naval Air Corps during World War II. He flew many missions across the globe, delivering critical supplies to troops while coming under enemy fire. Upon returning home, he went to work for Herschel Manufacturing and went on to retire from Caterpillar in 1986. He enjoyed many winters with his wife in Daytona and spending time with his beloved Schnauzers. In later years, his favorite pastimes were enjoying dinner and company at Cracker Barrel or Mel's.

Private inurnment will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in rural Pekin. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.