Duane R. Beal, Jr. Obituary (1966 - 2020)

Duane R. Beal, Jr., 53, of Pontiac, passed away Thursday, January 2, 2020, at 7:55 p.m. at his home. A Masonic service will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac. A private family graveside service at Graceland Cemetery in Fairbury, IL will be held at a later date. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 8, 2020, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements. Duane was born October 23, 1966, in San Diego, CA to Duane R. Beal Sr. and Esther M. (Stewart) Beal Ricketts. Esther survives in Pontiac. Also surviving are his sister, Judy M. (Sam) Walter of Fairbury, IL; nephew, Kyle Walter of Fairbury, IL; nieces, Mackenzie (Josh) Masching of Emington, IL, Samantha Yard of Fairbury, IL, and Sarah (Keith) Goembel of Fairbury, IL; great nephews, Tanner and Cole; and great nieces, Gretchen, Sylvia, and Lola. He was preceded in death by his father and one sister, Leslie A. Steidinger. Duane was a graduate of Forrest-Strawn-Wing High School, Class of 1984. He attended Parkland Junior College for two years studying Criminal Law. He worked for almost 30 years at Pontiac Correctional Center and retired with the rank of Major. Duane was a volunteer for Duffy Ambulance Service and the Pontiac Fire Department. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge since 2011. Life member of Pontiac, Streator, Fairbury, and Dwight Masonic Lodges, member of the Scottish Rite in Bloomington, Shriners of Bartonville, and Illinois Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Burn Center, attn: Office of Development, 2900 N Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.