Obituary East Peoria - Kirby K. Hamblen, 96, of East Peoria died on Wednesday March 20, 2013 at 6:43 PM at his residence. He was born on June 23, 1916 in Shiloh Township, IL. He married Isabell Beatt on November 9, 1937 in Benton, IL. She preceded him in death on October 26, 2004 in Peoria. He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Joanne Workman, one son, Kenneth Hamblen, one brother and one sister. Kirby is survived by one granddaughter, Tami(Mike) Fletcher of East Peoria, one grandson, Ken (Rhonda) Workman of Groveland, four great-grandchildren; Kristina (Mark) Masters of East Peoria, Jarred (Lauren) Workman of Camp Lejeune, NC, Josh Workman of Aurora, CO, Brianna Workman of Creve Coeur, and four great-great-grandchildren; Gracie Luna, Isabella Workman, Ashton Masters and Rory Castaneda. Kirby proudly served in the United States Army during WWII. He retired from Caterpillar in East Peoria in 1978 after working there 28 years as a welder. Kirby was also a life- long member of Hilton Masonic Lodge #1143 in East Peoria. He lived for fishing and since 1947 has taken yearly fishing trips to Park Rapids, MN with his family and friends. He loved spending time with them as well as his dog. There will be a funeral service for Kirby on Saturday March 23, 2013 at 11AM at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the funeral. Rev. Michael Robison will officiate. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton. Military rites will be performed by Tazewell Military Rites Team as well as active duty Army personnel. Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Big Sky, PO Box 56 Farmington, IL 61531. Visitation MAR 23. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory - East Peoria 444 E. Washington Street East Peoria, IL, US, 61611 garydeiters@deitersfuneralhome.com