Obituary Michael R. "Big E" Earnest, 53, of Chillicothe formerly of East Peoria, died on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at his residence. Born on September 13, 1953 in Peoria, IL to Raymond W. and Esther R. Bauer Earnest, he married Michelle Rynearson in 1993. Mike was a dedicated and loving father to his daughter Katie, and son, Brandon Earnest both of Chillicothe. He is also survived by a brother, Merlyn Earnest and his sisters, Donna (Wayne) Simmons and Dorothy Thompson, all of East Peoria, and sisters Diane Earnest of Maryland Heights, MO, and Debbie (Bob) Blackwell of Pottsboro, TX; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his parents. Mike was an engine tester for Caterpillar, Inc. at the Mossville Plant, where he worked for over 30 years and last worked on Tuesday. He loved to ride his Harley. Mike was a member of the UAW Local 974. A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, February 3, 2007 at Deiters Funeral Home in East Peoria. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Friday, February 2, 2007 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Chillicothe Cemetery. Visitation FEB 2. 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory - East Peoria 444 E. Washington Street East Peoria, IL, US, 61611 garydeiters@deitersfuneralhome.com