Vern Edward Alecock, age 93, of Oquawka, Illinois, passed away Monday, September 23, 2024 at his home, surrounded by the most important people in his life; his family. He was born July 3, 1931 in Oquawka, the son of James Baker Alecock and Mary Elizabeth McCune Alecock. On July 2, 1955, he married Beverlye Lou Lox at the Gladstone United Methodist Church.
Vern was a 1950 graduate of Biggsville High School, and served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He served from 1951 – 1955 and was stationed on the USS Yorktown. He was the owner of Vern Alecock Construction and operated a bulldozer and tiling machine for 50 years. He served as mayor for the village of Oquawka for 4 years, and was instrumental in fighting the flood of 2008. He also served as Rozetta Township Road Commissioner for over 24 years.
Vern was very community oriented and loved doing things for the people in Oquawka. He enjoyed the many years of meeting daily at the morning “DP” Coffee Club in Oquawka. He also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing, birdwatching, and meeting up with friends at Gibb’s Service Station in Biggsville.
Survivors include his wife, 3 children: Tina (Steve) Thompson of Oquawka, Mike (Annie) Alecock of Smithshire, IL, Nancy (Bill) Bundy of Oquawka, 9 grandchildren: Jason (Jenny) Thompson, Nicole (Trent) Steeg, Jarod (Aimee) Thompson, Eric Bundy, Heath (Lennon) Bundy, Hannah Alecock, Tyler (Kayla) Bundy, Emilie (Mark) Norzagaray, and Addie (Ryan) Leath, 14 great grandchildren: Darion, Michaela, Ryley, Connor, Delaney, Jacob, Theron, Kieren, Ashlin, Karaline, Lila, Maizy, Judah, and Gideon. Also surviving is one sister: Jane Spears of Biggsville, one brother-in-law: Russell (Dixie) Lox and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister: Madelyn Millar, one brother: James Alecock, and one nephew: Richard Millar.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 26, 2024 in Walnut Grove Cemetery, near Media, Illinois. A Celebration of Life will follow the service at the Tiny Acres Event Center, 2177 Township Road 2100E, Monmouth, Illinois, 61462. Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Stronghurst is assisting the family. A memorial fund has been established, and will be designated later. Please visit Vern’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
