Edwin John "Junior" Cutt

Edwin John "Junior" Cutt, age 80 of the Shokokon community, rural Carman, Illinois, died at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday November 15, 2016 at his home. He was born September 20, 1936 in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Edwin John and Anna Marie Brusich Cutt. On October 12, 2002, he married Teresa Joanne McMorrow.

Mr. Cutt was a graduate of East Peoria High School, East Peoria, Illinois. Following high school, he served in the United States Navy for twenty two years. While in the Navy, he served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp, and also in Guam and Morocco. He retired from service as a communications technician with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After his military service, he was worked in logistics for Hewlett-Packard Company for several years, retiring in 1998.

Mr. Cutt was a proud veteran who loved his country and his family, especially his grandchildren. He was an avid St. Louis Baseball Cardinal fan and a devoted Republican. He enjoyed gardening, and in his later years, artwork, birdwatching, and riding his golf cart along the Mississippi river in Shokokon. He was a member of Morton, IL American Legion, US Navy Cryptologic Veterans Association, the Fleet Reserve Association, Illinois Sheriffs Association, and the National Rifle Association.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa, two daughters, Diana Cutt of Nyack, NY, Carol (Nick) Peters of Miami, FL, one son, Jeff (Penny) Cutt of Pompano Beach, FL, four stepchildren, Kenneth (Tonya) Opel of Mackinaw, IL, Kevin (Amy) Opel of Morton, IL, Steve (Karrie) Novy of Pleasant Plains, IL, Gene Stoutamyer of Mundelein, IL, eleven grandchildren, Sierra, Evan, Caden, Cameron, Aaron, Alexis, Eli, C.J., Tyler, Alex, and Connor, two sisters, Betty Moore of East Peoria, IL, and Cheryl Rowley of Phoenix, IL, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Eugene and Joe Cutt.

A gathering of friends and family, followed by military rites, will be from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday Nov. 20, 2016 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. Cremation Rites will be then be accorded and Mr. Cutt’s ashes will be scattered at sea. A memorial fund has been established for the American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be left at banksandbeals.com.