William A. “Tony” Reader, Jr., 72, of Smithfield, Illinois, passed away Monday, February 21, 2022 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
He was born August 5, 1949 in Pekin, Illinois, the son of William “Bill” and Aljune “June” (Comfort) Reader, Sr. Tony served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1971. He was a truck driver for the Union for over 40 years, until his retirement in 2004. Tony also worked for the Illinois River Correctional Center in Canton for 6 years. He met Lynda L. Starr in 1980 and they got married on March 2, 2001 in Smithfield. Tony was a proud member of Teamsters Local 627 and of the Pekin VFW Post 1232. He was an avid dog lover.
Tony is survived by his wife of 21 years, Lynda L. Reader of Smithfield; one son, David Anthony Lee Reader of Cuba, Illinois; one grandson, Finley William Reader; and one sister, Marcia Watkins of Pekin. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother-in-law, Dean Watkins.
Cremation will be accorded. A graveside service will be held at Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Pekin at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Fulton County. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
