Samuel "Gene" Statler

Samuel J. “Gene” Statler, age 89, of Peoria, passed away on Friday, October 15, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Gene was born on April 30, 1932 in Macomb, IL, to Samuel and Keitha M. (Roberts) Statler. He met the love of his life, Carmelita M. Will at Bradley University and they married on April 11, 1953 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Peoria. She survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Angela of Galesburg, IL and two grandchildren, Mary Elmore and Kelly Goldsmith. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Bradley Michael Statler. Gene graduated from Woodruff High School, class of 1950, and attended Bradley University, class of 1954. He was owner and president of Common Equipment Company, having been employed there for 43 years, retiring in 2000. Gene enjoyed selling forklift trucks and warehouse equipment to the many valued customers in 34 counties in Central Illinois. The family enjoyed camping and traveling in 48 states when the children were young. Gene and Carm loved to spend time at their vacation home in Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach, MO. Every month, they also enjoyed the many Clark Equipment dealer trips to different places and playing golf at famous courses. Gene liked golf, bowling, yardwork, woodwork and playing cards with friends. He was a member of St. Philomena Catholic Church since 1953 and was a longtime member of Mt. Hawley Country Club. A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday October 21st, 2021 at St. Philomena Catholic Church, with a half hour prior visitation. Fr. David Richardson will officiate and entombment will follow at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria. Memorials may be made to St. Philomena Church Building Fund or the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, 2408 W Heading Ave, West Peoria, IL 61604. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.