Leland Vancamp

Leland R. (Lee) VanCamp, 81, of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away on September 14, 2024, with happy thoughts, wheeling himself to meet his buddies at the Nurse’s Station at his extended care facility, The Loft.

Born in Danville, IL., on April 17, 1943, to the late Harry Richard and Ida Maxine (Williams) VanCamp, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Ann (Pedigo) VanCamp. They were married on May 19, 1962. He is survived by his children: Vicki Lynn (Jesse) McAllister and Tanya Lee (Jay) Richter; his grandchildren: Jarren (Cecily Clem) VanCamp, Corby Carl, Kiel (Autumn Canterbury) Carl, Nichole McAllister, Erin Barnes, Gabbi (David Parker) Richter, Mari (Julio) Escorza, and Chaia Richter, and 11 great-grandchildren, with a new great-grandchild and a great-great grandchild both due in December. He is also survived by a brother, Garry Dale VanCamp, two sisters, Lana Elaine Miles and Eileen Smith, two brothers-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces/nephews. Cherished daughter, Sherri Ann (VanCamp) Smith also preceded him in death, as well as his siblings Marvin Wayne VanCamp, Randy Alan VanCamp, Marilyn Jean (VanCamp) Proctor, and sisters-in-law Linda VanCamp and Candace Pedigo.

Lee loved his family, sports, music, and humor. He served Danville Metal Stamping for 41 years, but his heart belonged to coaching his daughter’s fast-pitch softball teams in the Westville recreation and traveling leagues. In retirement, Lee enjoyed traveling with Patricia. After Patricia’s death, he could be found cheering on the Dodgers, the Bulls, the Bears, or the Illini, or listening to his collection of vinyl albums and writing poetry. Lee had gained a small fan club who loved the poems he would publish in the newspaper each year on the anniversary of Patricia’s passing. He always had time to share stories of the past with his kids and grandkids. And, of course, a joke or two. His stories, smile, love, poetry, and laughter will be deeply missed.

A memorial visitation will be held on October 5, 2024, from 1-2pm with a service at 2pm, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Georgetown, Illinois 200 E West Street. With Pastor James Blue officiating. A burial will follow at Georgetown Cemetery. Please join Lee’s family in sharing memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com