CASEYVILLE- Harry E. Pelate, 89, of Caseyville, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2017 at Knollwood Retirement Center in Caseyville.

He was born August 4, 1928 in East St. Louis, Ill. to Harry E. Sr. and Lucille, nee Kimme, Pelate. Together they raised Harry and seven of his sisters.

Harry married Donna Kniser on September 26, 1950 in Arkansas; they shared 67 special years together. She survives and resides in Caseyville.

Also surviving is their daughter, Lauri Jean (Daniel) Downes of Bland, Mo.; five grandchildren, Amanda Pelate (Adam Melhorn), Melissa Pelate, Kelly Kent (Chris Oettle), Kim Kent (Blake Redman), Gwen Pelate; and six great-grandchildren; Wil, Brenna, Declan, Landen, Parker, and Aiden.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Harry E. Pelate Jr. & Ronald D. Pelate and one grandson, Erick Pelate.

Harry proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1945-1947. He was a member of the VFW Post 5691 in Collinsville, Bowling League at Camelot Lanes, and the APA Pool League.

He worked for many years as a foreman for Illinois Central Railroad in Centreville.

Memorial donations may be made to Unity Hospice or to the family. Additional condolences may also be sent to the family through this online guestbook.

A funeral service for Harry will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, Ill. Pastor Ron Habermehl will officiate. There will be a visitation two hours prior to the service, from 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Valley View Cemetery in Edwardsville, where military honors will be rendered.