Allison “Al” Perring, Jr., 86, of Clinton, IL formerly of Weldon, IL passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Liberty Village of Clinton.

 

Services will be 11:30 AM, Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with J. Kent Hickerson officiating with Military Honors to follow.  Visitation will be 9 – 11:30 AM, Saturday at the funeral home.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Youth Program at First Christian Church, Clinton, IL or the Clinton High School FFA Program.

 

Al was born August 19, 1931, in Midland City, IL the son of Alison and Margaret (Cox) Perring, Sr. He married Jean Gehlbach December 29, 1950 in Waynesville, IL.

 

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jean Perring of Clinton, IL; children: David Perring, Lincoln, IL; Steve (Lee Ann) Perring, Weldon, IL; and Kathy (Ted) Parge, Sugar Grove, IL; 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and one on the way; along with sister-in-law, Phyllis Perring, Cullom, IL.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and 1 sister.

 

Al served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. After his military service he returned to central Illinois and began a life of farming. He was recognized and received numerous awards in agriculture, including a finalist for the 1979 Farmer of the Year “Salute to Agriculture”.

 

Throughout his life Al remained active as a community volunteer and leader which included positions as Dewitt County Republican Party Chairman (12 years), Deland Weldon School Board President (10 years) and numerous other positions including Nixon Township Supervisor, 708 Board, Sanitary District Board, 4-H Leader, Little League coach and official. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, 33rd degree.

 

He never met a person he didn’t want to engage in conversation about politics, family, farming or Fighting Illini sports. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend whose legacy lives on through his family and community.