Leland “Mike” Wendell Pendergrass Jr., 75, of Galesburg, IL, passed away at the Richard Owens Hospice Home, Peoria, IL on March 14, 2025, after a short illness. He was born January 30, 1950, in Preston, MN to Leland “Bud” Pendergrass and Lavelle Inman Pendergrass.
He grew up in Alexis, IL and was a 1969 graduate of Alexis High School where he set many records and earned letters in football, basketball, and track. He married his high school sweetheart, Julie (Harmison) Pendergrass on June 14, 1970, enjoying almost 55 years of marriage. He served in the US Navy Ceremonial Guard from 1970-1974, stationed at the Anacostia Naval Station in Washington D.C. He participated in President Nixon’s Inauguration and was on Death Watch in the US Capitol Rotunda for President Lyndon Johnson’s funeral, as well as many other military ceremonies and soldier funerals. He worked for Burlington Northern Railroad (BNSF) in Galesburg for 43 years as a Foreman. He was an Officer for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Union and served as their Lobbyist for many years. Over the years, Mike was very active in local athletics by coaching his children’s basketball and baseball teams. After retirement, Mike enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren and watching old Western shows. He was of Methodist faith.
Mike is survived by his wife, Julie Harmison Pendergrass, his 3 children, Melanie Jean Attig, Colorado Springs, CO, Molly Jane (Johnny) Brennan, Westmont, IL and Zachary Robert (Katherine) Pendergrass, Galesburg, IL; grandchildren Brecken Attig, John and Amelia Brennan, Aiden, Eldon, and Demi; brother-in-law Dennis Harmison and niece and nephew Dori & Aaron; Honorary sisters Janice Spivey and Denise Wiscons and very special cousins Judy Meyer and Paula Graham.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law, Robert and Betty Harmison, and his sister, Rose Pendergrass.
Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025 at First United Methodist Church, Galesburg. Funeral services will follow visitation at 1 p.m. Burial will be at the Oneida Cemetery. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Oneida are assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be donated to the Rylander-Milroy American Legion Post #727, Oneida or to a charity of the donor’s choosing. Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com
