ForeverMissed
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      Myron A. Dempsey, 83, of Peoria, IL passed away Thursday, October 10, 2019 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, following a courageous battle with cancer and surrounded by his family for the past several weeks.
     Funeral services will be at 11 am. on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 pm. on Monday, October 14, 2019 at the church.Pastor John Hopwood will officiate.Entombment will be private.
     Myron was born on February 26, 1936 at the family homestead in Gilson, IL to Loren A. and Ardella (Sniff) Dempsey. He was the youngest of three siblings.He married Phyllis J. Bolhouse on October 21, 1960 in Evergreen Park, IL.
     He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Dempsey and their five children;Beverly (Randall) Taylor of Dunlap, IL, Brenda Bunyard of Sand Springs, OK, Beth (Jerry) Montgomery of Dunlap, IL, Barb (Jay) Milaccio of Peoria, IL, David (Margaret) Dempsey of Peoria, IL; and five grandchildren, Delaney, Caitlin, Savannah, Logan and Colton.
     Myron was preceded in his death by his parents; sister, LaWanda (Donald) England of Galva, IL, brother Derrel (Gracie) Dempsey of O’Fallon, IL; and his grandson, Drake Randall Taylor of Dunlap, IL.
     He attended Knoxville IL High School, Class of 1954 and the University of Illinois Champaign College of Agriculture, Class of 1958. He met his wife Phyllis at the Chicago Union Stock Yards.Myron was a livestock order buyer and moved his family to Peoria in 1970. He then opened his own livestock order buying company at the Peoria Union Stockyard. He was a livestock judge at state and county fairs across IL for many years.
     Myron lived life with a passion with many interests and hobbies. He planned adventurous yearly family vacations of both fun and education. He loved fishing, gardening, auctions, antiques and was a huge fan of the Fighting Illini football and basketball teams. Myron’s love of history and antiques led him to open Dempsey’s Woodshed Anteeks on Sterling Ave in Peoria.He traveled and traded for over 48 years to numerous antique shows across the country selling his collections. He was a member of the Blue & White Pottery Club and board member of the Collectors of IL Pottery.Myron was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church of Peoria.
     Memorials may be made to Big Hearts Outdoors, P.O. Box 253, Dunlap, IL 61525, a charity in memory of his grandson Drake Taylor or OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 IL Rte 91, Peoria, IL61615.
     Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue, in Peoria.
October 13, 2019
October 13, 2019
Uncle Myron was for me the cool “Big City “ Uncle. My sister Karen and I took the train to Chicago to visit him and Phyllis. It was very exciting for 2 farm girls. 
Both Myron and Phyllis have always been there for me. Coming from Phoenix to Galva for a visit so often included a trip to Peoria. Particularly after my mom LaWanda passed it meant a great deal to me. 
This summer was an especially sweet visit when coming home for Uncle Derrel’s cemetery service. My brother Mike, sister Karen and I were able to spend a whole afternoon with Uncle Myron. He shared wonderful stories with us of his childhood. 
I was able to pray with Myron which meant so much to me. 
I know my mom LaWanda is so happy to be with her little brother Myron again! And Grandma Ardella is loving on him too! I can just picture the Dempsey Reunion. 

Much love to Myron’s family and friends. And especially Aunt Phyllis and my cousins.  Maradell Peters
October 12, 2019
October 12, 2019
Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. Even though we are 1600 miles away, our hearts are with you all in this difficult time of loss.

Mike & Marje Shirey
October 12, 2019
October 12, 2019
Beth & Bev,
I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My prayers & Hugs are with you at this difficult time.  Peace to your whole family.

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Recent Tributes
October 13, 2019
October 13, 2019
Uncle Myron was for me the cool “Big City “ Uncle. My sister Karen and I took the train to Chicago to visit him and Phyllis. It was very exciting for 2 farm girls. 
Both Myron and Phyllis have always been there for me. Coming from Phoenix to Galva for a visit so often included a trip to Peoria. Particularly after my mom LaWanda passed it meant a great deal to me. 
This summer was an especially sweet visit when coming home for Uncle Derrel’s cemetery service. My brother Mike, sister Karen and I were able to spend a whole afternoon with Uncle Myron. He shared wonderful stories with us of his childhood. 
I was able to pray with Myron which meant so much to me. 
I know my mom LaWanda is so happy to be with her little brother Myron again! And Grandma Ardella is loving on him too! I can just picture the Dempsey Reunion. 

Much love to Myron’s family and friends. And especially Aunt Phyllis and my cousins.  Maradell Peters
October 12, 2019
October 12, 2019
Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. Even though we are 1600 miles away, our hearts are with you all in this difficult time of loss.

Mike & Marje Shirey
October 12, 2019
October 12, 2019
Beth & Bev,
I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My prayers & Hugs are with you at this difficult time.  Peace to your whole family.
Recent stories

No better friend and mentor

October 13, 2019
Phylis, Beverly, Brenda, Barbara, Beth and David,


The day I  met Myron I had no idea that he would become a friend and more for over 55 years.  I well remember the day: Along with another friend who’s family also raised purebred hogs, we were at a winter hog show on the fair grounds in Mazon, Ill.  He made it a point to visit with the two of us. I have since figured out why that day has so vividly stuck in my mind all these years.


There are way too many times spent with Myron for me to list.  I got to work with him at both the Chicago and Peoria stock yards.  He guided this country bumpkin through the perils of learning the ways of the “big city”.  He taught me it was possible to run a clean business in a dirty industry. His moral compass was always right on.  Through some weekend guidance sessions, one even a trip to his farm in WI, he somehow got me through college.


I helped move his family to Peoria. I remember driving the car with Phylis and David who was just  a baby. Phylis had never ventured far out of Evergreen Park and was afraid that Peoria was right next to the end of the world. It took only a short time for her to get settled for a stay of now nearly 50 years.   I helped paint your house. I played Santa when you were little kids. Our kids still remember all the antiques in the house and being in your swimming pool. There are so many fun memories.


When I got the opportunity to work with a brokerage firm in Chicago I didn’t know wether to go or not.  There was never any hesitation on his part. It was: “go for it and never look back”. He instilled the confidence in me to take on that adventure and be successful  Though he never said it, he knew I was a terrible hog buyer and this move was right for me.


For many years we talked every weekday morning.  Always a bit of family talk as well as market updates.  Over recent years we haven’t talked regularly and have seen each other less.  When we did, we picked up where we last left off. “Matter a fact” as he would say, he always had a story to tell.


So back to that day 50 some years ago and why it is so very vivid in my memory.  It was my first exposure to his humor, his quick wit, and that contagious grin.  There were a lot of prominent hog producers around us but he took the time to visit with us two young men.  He was a fun loving nurturer and so enjoyed being around people. He would always take time to visit, help or guide.


Having been privileged to visit with him on the phone over the past few weeks only increased my admiration.   He was so prepared and at peace with leaving this world. He was proud to think he exceeded his goal of being right 70% of the time(probably  80% or more). Most of all he was proud of his family. He had a great wife and together they raised five responsible and productive adults. He will be greatly missed by all of us that were fortunate enough to know him.   I am glad you shared part of him with me.



Joanie and I, as well as our whole family extend our deepest sympathies to all of you.  


Memories of Uncle Myron

October 13, 2019
Uncle Myron was for me the cool “Big City “ Uncle.  My sister Karen and I took the train to Chicago to visit him and Phyllis.  It was very exciting for 2 farm girls.  
Both Myron and Phyllis have always been there for me.  Coming from Phoenix to Galva for a visit so often included a trip to Peoria.  Particularly after my mom LaWanda passed it meant a great deal to me.  
This summer was an especially sweet visit when coming home for Uncle Derrel’s cemetery service.  My brother Mike, sister Karen and I were able to spend a whole afternoon with Uncle Myron.  He shared wonderful stories with us of his childhood.  
I was able to pray with Myron which meant so much to me.  
I know my mom LaWanda is so happy to be with her little brother Myron again!  And Grandma Ardella is loving on him too!  I can just picture the Dempsey Reunion.  

Much love to Myron’s family and friends.  And especially Aunt Phyllis and my cousins.   Maradell Peters

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