Howard "Tug" McClaskey, 75, of East Peoria, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 in his home.

He was born on January 8, 1949 in Litchfield, IL to the late Jacquelina (Davis) Underhill and Donald McClaskey. He married Karen Lourash on January 1, 1998 in Reno, NV. She survives.

Also surviving are his siblings, Delores Washburn, Cindy (Del) Ward, Gary (Cindy) McClaskey, Billy McClaskey and David (Cindy) McClaskey; his step children, Keri Tapscott, Heather (Mike) Wright, Nathan Tapscott, and Holly Tapscott; and 4 grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his siblings, Donald McClaskey, Raymond McClaskey, Allen McClaskey, Lewis McClaskey, Paul Long, Kiel Underhill, Donna McIntyre, Karen Siegworth and Janice McClaskey.

Howard attended East Peoria High school and received his diploma while serving in the Navy during Vietnam. He was able to travel the globe while serving.  After serving in the military, he began working for Caterpillar where he retired after 30 years of service. He became a business owner and opened Family Furniture. Howard was a long-time member of the Peoria Sportsman Club. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed traveling across the United States. Howard's yearly trips to Reelfoot, Tennessee with friends or family was his most enjoyable time every April.

A visitation will be held for Howard on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at Deiters Funeral Home in Washington.