Oscar L. Tracy

Oscar Lee Tracy, 76, of Galesburg, died peacefully at 11:38 p.m. on Monday, September 20, 2010 at Seminary Manor Nursing Home, Galesburg. Oscar was born on February 2, 1934 in Galesburg, the son of Herman J. and Lela P. (Purdy) Tracy.  Oscar married Mary Louise Bradford on September 3, 1955 in Galesburg.  Mary Lou preceded him in death on October 2, 2007.  Oscar is survived by 6 daughters, Karen (and Kevin) Farrell of Port Byron, Mary Kay (and Dave) Ebner of Smithsville, TX, Patricia (and Randy) Hall of Gladstone, MO, Deanna Tracy, Jody (and Dave) Mahoney, and Helen (and Chris) Crowl all of Galesburg; 18 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by 2 brothers, Warren Tracy of Galesburg and Clifford Tracy of Arkansas; 2 sisters Shirley Schmidt of California and Dee Rodenhouser of Knoxville; and several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by a daughter, Teresa Mitchell on August 28, 2007, 2 brothers, 3 sisters, 2 infant granddaughters, and 1 great granddaughter. Oscar worked at Maytag for over 37 years, retiring on December 1, 1992.  He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and J.O. Hunt Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree.  He was active in T.E.C. and Cursillo.   Oscar loved to dance. A funeral mass for Oscar will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 24, 2010 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, with Rev. Joseph Presley, I.C. officiating.  Private family burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at Watson Funeral Home, where a prayer service will be held at 8 p.m.  Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, St. Vincent DePaul Society, or to OSF Hospice.