Philip Pilkington

MORTON – Philip E. Pilkington, 79, of Morton, passed away on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at Bickford Senior Living in Peoria.

He was born on August 30, 1941, in Birmingham, Ala., to Amos and Ethel (Handley) Pilkington. He married Alma Garrison in Peoria, Ill., on July 1, 1960. She preceded him in death on November 8, 2018. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Jerry Pilkington; and his sister, Linda Smart.

Surviving are three daughters, Becky (Rick) Wilson of East Peoria, Deb (Kevin) Monge of Roanoke, and Kim (Brad) Woods of Morton; one grandchild, Jordan Woods; and one brother, Glen (Connie) Pilkington.

Phil was a United States Air Force veteran. He was employed at Caterpillar, Inc. for 47 years. For his last 10 years there, he repaired turbos and was known as “Turbo Phil.” He had also worked at Martin’s Super Foods in Morton for 11 years.

Phil had a terrific sense of humor and loved making people laugh. He moved to Bickford Cottage in Peoria in April of 2019 and gained many meaningful friendships with other residents, and also with the staff who treated him like family.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton, with Pastor Brock Winkler officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Phil’s family would like to thank the staff at Bickford Senior Living for their kind and compassionate care.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To send an online condolence to the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.