82, of Bushnell
James “Dale” Treadway, 82, of Bushnell, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at The Elms in Macomb.
He was born March 16, 1944, in Rushville, Illinois, the son of Perry and Georgia (Westerfield) Treadway. Dale married Delberta Kay Howard on February 2, 1964, in Moline, Illinois, beginning a marriage of more than 62 years.
Dale was a 1962 graduate of Bushnell-Prairie City High School. Over the years, he worked several jobs, including at Admiral Corporation in Galesburg and Dale’s Super Service Station in Bushnell. He eventually found his longtime home at Woodrum Automotive, where he worked for 48 years before retiring.
Dale passed along his skills and love of auto mechanics to his son and grandsons. The men in the Treadway family can often be found working on a project in their garage using the tools and knowledge passed down from their father and grandfather. Browsing a car show, thrifting for used car parts on the Spoon River Drive, or salvaging parts from junk yards were some treasured traditions among the Treadway men.
Dale was truly a jack of all trades. If something was broken, chances where he could figure out how to fix it. An inventor and tinkerer from the time he was seven years old, Dale was always thinking, building, repairing or coming up with a new idea. He enjoyed building and flying large radio-controlled model airplanes, riding motorcycles and, in his younger years, raising and training quarter horses named Joan and Comanche.
He also had a love for photography that became a family tradition. Dale passed that interest on to his daughter when he bought her a camera, and she later did the same for her own daughter, creating three generations who shared his love of photography. Dale was also a foodie, or at least never ashamed to be the first one in line when it was time to eat.
Above everything else, Dale loved his family, and his devotion to Deb was evident in the little things he did every day. Without fail, when he came home from work, he would walk into the kitchen, set down his lunchbox, go over to Deb, kiss her on the cheek and tell her, “I love you.” Their marriage was one built on love, devotion and companionship, and was an example for those fortunate enough to witness it.
Surviving is his wife, Deb; his children, Angie (Joe) Ritter of Table Grove, Illinois, and Jim (Melinda) Treadway of Maquon, Illinois; four grandchildren, Seth Ritter, Sarah Ritter, Elizabeth Treadway, and Josh Treadway; and one great-grandchild, Kaylyn Ritter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.
Cremation Rites were accorded by Martin-Hollis Funeral Home. Private family services will be held, with burial of ashes in Bushnell Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh. com
