Willie Weldon Jr., 61, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on March 30, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL.
Willie was born October 13, 1964 in Hughes, AR, the son of Willie Sr. and Willa Dean (Starnes) Weldon. He was raised and educated in Missouri and Illinois and attended Warren and Union High School.
Willie married Cherrie Hawk on September 6, 1997 in Monmouth, IL; and she survives.
Willie spent several years working alongside his father as a farmhand, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for hands on labor. He later dedicated more than 20 years of his career to Tatman 1 Motors, where he took great pride in his work as a car detailer until his retirement.
A true car enthusiast, Willie found joy in everything automotive. He loved attending car shows with friends, spending hours admiring and talking about cars, and he especially enjoyed working on them whenever he could. His passion extended to his impressive collection of over 3,000 Hot Wheels cars, a testament to his lifelong fascination with automobiles.
Willie was known for his playful spirit and sense of humor. He delighted in pulling practical jokes on family and friends, always bringing laughter to those around him. He also had a flair for fun, often dressing up as Elvis, which became one of his many memorable trademarks.
He was an avid NASCAR fan, rarely missing a race and especially cheering on his favorite drivers, Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Above all, Willie cherished the time he spent with his family, and he held a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews.
Surviving Willie is his wife, Cherrie Weldon of Monmouth, IL; his daughters, Molli (Rusty) West of St. Augustine, IL, Hidi (Keith) Patrick of Roseville, IL; his grandchildren, Jozzlynne Patrick, Brereton Patrick; Gracelynne Patrick; his great granddaughter, Haizley; his mother, Willa Weldon of Monmouth, IL; his sisters, Wandena (Scott) Willman of Edwardsville, IL, Nora (James) Austin of Monmouth, IL, April (Troy) Wilson of Galesburg, IL; several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews, and his beloved dog, Charlie, also survive.
He was preceded in death by his father; his daughter, Tabatha Shane Weldon; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles & Mary Lou Hawk; his nephew, TJ Lodwick; and his beloved dog, Dale.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 3, 2026 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Interment will be Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth, IL. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Willie Weldon Memorial Fund and can be sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com
