Norman Earl Friend “Tex”

Age 86, of Wilmington, Illinois, formerly of Wayne City, Illinois, died on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at his home surrounded by family.

Born on August 24, 1940, in Hamilton County, Illinois, Norman Earl was the son of Earl and Mogene (Hall) Friend. He was raised and educated in Wayne City, graduating from Wayne City High School with the class of 1958. On October 28, 1957, Norman married the love of his life, Doris Peddicord, in Corinth, Mississippi. Together, they shared just over 69 wonderful years of marriage.

On June 2, 1959, Norman began his career with Caterpillar in Joliet, Illinois. Throughout his more than 44 years with the company, he worked as both a carpenter and supervisor before retiring on January 1, 2002.

Norman was a member of the United Methodist Church in Wilmington and was truly a jack-of-all-trades. He had a natural talent for building and fixing things and enjoyed taking on projects of all sizes. A meticulous planner, he liked to have everything organized and a plan in place before getting started. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors, especially working in his yard. His lawn and landscaping were always immaculate, a reflection of the pride he took in everything he did.

Above all, Norman was known for his warm smile, sweet nature, and wonderful sense of humor. He adored his wife and treasured the time they spent together. He was genuinely a joy to be around and had a way of making people feel welcome. Whether enjoying breakfast with friends at Panera Bread or stopping in at a local Starbucks or Barnes & Noble, Norman enjoyed getting out, visiting, and making connections with those around him.

He is survived by his wife, Doris; children: Kevin Friend of Coal City, and Jodi (Rodney) Flynn of Bonfield, Illinois; grandchildren: Karli (Fiancé Erin Zhwelan) Friend, Becca (Mike) Molenaar, Hayley (Fiancé John Ruhlow) Noe, Chelsey (Josh) DePue, Katie (Gary) Kurbis, Allison Flynn, Cody (Fiancé Alynn Jackson) Flynn, Kristen (Bryan) Flood, and Lindsay (Chris) Sterling as well as 15 great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law: Nancy Peddicord and Steve Peddicord.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Sandra Green, as well as his sister, Norene Clark.

Memorials may be made as gifts in Norman's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on November 9, 2026, at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will follow on Tuesday morning, November 10, 2026, in the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Harriette Cross will officiate.

Following the funeral services Norman will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Norman’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815/476-2181)