Howard Mooney

Howard Francis Mooney, Sr., 86, of Decatur, IL, passed away Thursday, August 2, 2018, at Memorial Medical Center, Springfield, IL. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, with visitation 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, August 6 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery, Riverton, IL. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Howard’s unwavering commitment to caring for the love of his life during her long battle with this horrific disease. Miraculously, he somehow managed to keep her at home throughout her illness, at times to the detriment of his own health. The second son of John T. And Frances M. (Roberta) Mooney, Howard was born July 15, 1932 at the family farm just south of Latham, IL. He married Ramona Maxine Williams on February 14, 1953 in Decatur, IL. They were together 62 years before she preceded him in death on October 12, 2015. Howard enlisted in U.S. Army in 1949 at the age of 17, completing basic training the summer between his junior and senior year of high school. Upon graduation from Warrensburg High School in 1950, he immediately went on active duty and was a veteran of the Korean War. At the time of his honorable discharge, he had achieved the rank of Master Sargent. Howard began his career at Caterpillar, Inc. in 1956 and eventually accepted a foreign assignment that relocated his family to Belgium for 3 years. Afterward, he returned to Decatur and retired as a Division Manager in 1996 after 40 years of service. Always passionate about his hobbies, Howard restored over 25 antique tractors and bought and sold hundreds of cars and trucks. His favorite time was spent with his family and especially his grandkids, who were his pride and joy. He never missed an opportunity to be with them and they were clearly one of the most rewarding aspects of his life. Howard was a member of Korean War Veterans, Macon County Honor Guard, American Legion, Caterpillar Retirees Club, and past member of the Elks Club. He is survived by his sons Christopher H. Mooney and Howard F. (Stacey) Mooney II, all of Decatur, IL; grandchildren Madison Mooney of Chicago, Howard “Howie” F. Mooney III of Decatur, Jonathan R. Mooney of Wyoming; brother Martin (Sue) Mooney of Warrensburg, sister-in-law Patty Mooney of Warrensburg, sister-in-law Judy Mooney of Deland, FL, brother-in-law John (Donna) Williams of Anderson, IN, sister-in-law Marcia Williams of Decatur; close friend Matt Page, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Ramona, and five brothers. Howard was born a farmer and became a student, athlete, soldier, world traveler, executive and caretaker, and he excelled at all of them. But mostly, he was a great friend, mentor, husband, father father-in-law and grandfather and he will be deeply missed every day. "
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