Harry Eugene "Buck" Petticrew (89) of Wheeler

Harry Eugene “Buck” Petticrew, age 89, of Wheeler, Illinois, passed away at 2:17 AM – Friday, March 14, 2025, at his home he dearly loved, surrounded by his family and pets he cherished.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM – Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Meyer Funeral Home, 307 East Center Street, Dieterich, Illinois 62424. Graveside services with a flag presentation will be held at 1:00 PM – Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Prairie View Cemetery, 2915 West Old Church Road, Champaign, Illinois 61822. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here. 

Harry Eugene, better known to his family and friends as “Buck” was born on May 13, 1935, in the family home south of Champaign, Illinois, one of three sons of Stanley Grant and Dorothy B. (Shaw) Petticrew. He married Dixie Crawford on June 9, 1956, in Tolono, Illinois, and together they had two children, Wesley (Tainalg) Petticrew of Pahrump, Nevada, and Kathy Thomas of Wheeler, Illinois. Buck worked as a bio medical technician at Saint Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois, for several years and trained horses. He loved all animals and was gentle and kind to them all. Buck loved people and was always good at telling funny stories with his ornery twinkle in his eye. Buck was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and never gave up hope of winning the world series. Buck and Dixie had a band for over seventeen years called Buck and the Buckshots. They played at many places including the Midway, American Legion, and VFW. They truly enjoyed those days and all the people they met. Buck served his country in the Army National Guard from 1955, until his honorable discharge in 1958. Buck had managed the Moose Lodge in Effingham and was a mentor for Effingham School District #40. For several years Buck served as Republican precinct committeeman for North Muddy Township in Jasper County.

Buck is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, children, and grandchildren, Austin Schumacher, Dallas Schumacher, Blake Thomas, Connor Thomas, Eric Petticrew, and Dustin Petticrew. Several great-grandchildren survive as well. He has three nieces he cherished, Debbie Eastin, Nancy Morgan, and Janet Wahlfeldt.

He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley, mother, Dorothy, baby brother, Billy Petticrew, brother Jim Petticrew, and sister-in-law Dolores Petticrew, great-granddaughter, Alexis.

The family wants to thank HSHS Hospice for all their help and the love they showed for Buck during his last days. It was greatly appreciated.