Dr. Charles Lee Alcorn, 89, of Peoria, passed away at 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2015, at his home.
Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 3, 2015, at Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue in Peoria, with Chaplain Frank Valente officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2015, also at the funeral home.
Charles was born on October 8, 1925 in Orlando, FL, a son of Claude and Bessie (Strickland) Alcorn. They preceded him in death, along with three brothers. He married Melinda Lee (McCracken) McVey on July 1, 1976 in Mossville. She survives.
He is also survived by his children, Eden Thorne of Tallahassee, FL, Amy Alcorn of Honolulu, HI, Andy Alcorn Sr. of Grayslake, Eric (Amy) McVey of Cedar Rapids, IA and Joseph Alcorn of McCarthy, AK; grandchildren, Mary (Jarrod) Heltsley, Michelle Thorne, Julianne Alcorn, Andy (Megan) Alcorn Jr., Jeffrey McVey and Kaitlyn McVey; and his first great grandchild is expected in August. He also had a special relationship with his sister and brother in-law, Paula and Phil Pruett, his niece and nephew, Lee and Natan Ben-Yonatan, and their children, Theo and Charlie.
Charles was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran, as a boatswain mate on the USS Calvert, piloting Marines onto the beaches in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. He served from October of 1942 through November of 1945.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Carson-Newman College in 1955, graduating Cum Laude, his Master of Arts from MacMurray College in 1956 and his Doctorate of Philosophy from Walden University in 1972.
Dr. Alcorn served as a School Psychologist for District 150 from 1969 through 1990. After his retirement, he served as a part-time School Psychologist for several districts in Central Illinois. Prior to his work with District 150, he served as a Psychologist and Professor in Illinois and Mississippi.
He enjoyed traveling, especially to Great Britain, Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Arizona. He enjoyed deep sea fishing, cooking, attending theatre and musical concerts and watching Chicago Bears football and Chicago Cubs baseball.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to UnityPoint Hospice in Peoria or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
| Joe and Debbie Kost |
With Sympathy |
August 3, 2015 |
Eden we are sorry to hear about the passing of your Father. In this diffcult time Debbie and I will keep you in our prayers. From viewing the slideshow of your Father; I would say he enjoyed life with his family.
| Chris Funck |
With Sympathy |
August 1, 2015 |
Condolences to your family from the USS Calvert Associates. Dr. Alcorn's name has been added to the WWII crew list at the
www.usscalvert.com website. We will remember his service to our nation at this year's USS Calvert Crew Reunion and his name will be read during the reunion's Memorial Service honoring the men who served aboard the USS Calvert and have since sailed off into the sunset.
| Martha Dunnam |
With Sympathy |
August 1, 2015 |
At the age of 18 (back in 1971), I began employment with the State of Illinois Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in Peoria, Il. We worked with handicapped individuals in an effort to find them employment. I soon learned that many of our customers needed psychological testing to help us determine what was best for them. Dr. Alcorn was one of two Psychologists that we used to provide us with the testing we needed. I can remember him coming into the Peoria Office. What particularly stood out was his professionalism and his friendliness. I was saddened to hear of his death and I would like to extend my sympathy to his family and many friends as they grieve his passing. I pray that God will give you HIS peace and HIS comfort in the days ahead. You are in my prayers. With heart-felt sympathy, Martha Dunnam - Green Valley, IL
| Kathy Zeid |
Teacher District 150 |
July 29, 2015 |
Dr. Alcorn was my minor professor at McKendree College, Lebanon,IL. He was an excellent teacher and got me very interested in psychology. His wife was our physical education teacher. They were very active in the college and created a wonderful learning environment. In later years Dr. Alcorn was a coworker in District 150 and he made a potentially awkward situation very easy. My condolences to the family.
| Chuck Nicholson |
Special Education Coordinator (Retired) |
July 29, 2015 |
My wife Sandy and I are deeply saddened at the passing of Charlie. I had the privilege of working with him for a number of years in the North Pekin/Marquette Heights and Creve Coeur school districts. He was always cheerful and upbeat, except following a loss by our Chicago Bears. He was a gentleman and a gentle man. Heaven just became a better place.
