Larry G. Pilkington, 76, of Nauvoo, Illinois, passed away at 6:00 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2025 at his home.
Born on August 25, 1948 in Fort Madison, Iowa. The son of Gail and Eula (Bollin) Pilkington. On August 4, 1973 he married Judy Dodge in Carthage, Illinois.
Survivors include his wife Judy; daughter Peggy (Robert) Helenthal; son Andy (Elizabeth) Pilkington; grandchildren: Ashley Reittinger, Jonathan Miller, Justin Miller, Haley Pilkington, Alex Pilkington, Ashley (Drake) Custer, Ryan Helenthal, Chase Helenthal; six great grandchildren; two brothers: Dennis (Karen) Pilkington, Lynn (Lorrie) Pilkington; and sister Marlys (Thomas) Lampe.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his mother and father-in-law: Ray and Margaret Kern.
Larry graduated from Nauvoo Colusa High School in 1966. After graduating he attended auto mechanic school. He was drafted into the United States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam, where he earned the achievement of expert marksmen while in basic training. He was a life long farmer, owned and operated Pilkington garage where he worked as an auto mechanic, and was a seed-corn salesman for twenty years. He was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association, Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Hancock County Beef Association, Trailblazers Saddle Club, Nauvoo American Legion, and Sonora Township Trustees. Larry enjoyed camping, farming, horseback riding, gardening, hunting, and visiting with friends and neighbors. He proudly restored his grandfather family barn.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Schmitz -Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2025 at Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo with Father Tony Trosley officiating.
Following the service his body will be cremated.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Nauvoo with full military rites by Hancock County Honor Guard.
Memorials have been established in his memory for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Schmitz - Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Nauvoo is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.sbbfuneralhome.com.
