John Thomas Raftery

John Thomas Raftery, age 75, of Barry, IL passed away Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield, IL.  He was born on January 9, 1948 in Pittsfield, IL to Paul Raftery and Kathlyn Huffman Raftery.  He married Margaret May Place on November 29, 1970 in Pittsfield, IL, and she survives. 

John graduated from Barry High School in 1966.  He went to work in construction as an operator for CW Curtis.  He later worked for Callender Construction and became foreman of Valley City Quarry.  He left construction, and went on to a 30+ year career in the trucking industry.  He first drove for Parks Livestock, and later became an owner/operator, finishing his career with LSSD.  After retirement, he continued to work for Hart Brother’s Farms. 

John was a right-handed, heavyweight arm-wrestling champion, and participated in many tournaments in the 70’s.  He was all about antique John Deere tractors and loved attending antique tractor pulls. He was a longtime member of the Baylis Baptist Church.   John was a hard worker, and never knew a stranger.  He was devoted to his family and loved making memories with them. 

He is survived by: his loving wife of 53 years, Margaret Raftery; son, John P. (Stacy) Raftery of Barry, IL; daughter, Angela (Tony) Potter of New Canton, IL; grandchildren, Brendan Raftery (Caitlin), Emma Raftery, Harlie Potter, Wyatt Potter, Ethan Raftery, and Mason Throne; brother, Gene Raftery; and sister, Joyce (Dale) Stone.

He was preceded by; his parents, Paul and Kathlyn Raftery; and daughter, Amy Throne.

Visitation will be 4:00-6:00 PM, Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL.  The funeral service will be at 10:30 AM, Friday, December 15, 2023, also at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL. Interment will follow at Parklawn Cemetery in Barry, IL. Memorials are suggested to Baylis Baptist Church.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL is handling the arrangements.

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