1969
Virgil
2025
Virgil Pepper
December 31, 1969 — November 22, 2025
Virgil R. "Rex" Pepper, 78, of Machesney Park, IL, passed away at home with his family by his side on November 22, 2025. He was born on October 8, 1947, in Alamosa, Colorado, the son of Notley and Beatrice (Griffith) Pepper.
Rex proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as an E5 Sergeant during the Vietnam Conflict. On January 3, 1969, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Lawson. A dedicated and highly skilled welder, Rex spent many years in the trade he loved and eventually opened his own business, Pepper's Welding and Fabricating. Known for his strong work ethic, he was happiest when he had a project to keep him busy.
He was a lifetime member of the Loves Park VFW Post 9759 and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 984. Outside of work, Rex enjoyed spending time outdoors—especially fishing, bird watching, and camping with his family. His greatest joy came from time spent with his grandchildren.
Rex will be remembered for his generosity, his willingness to lend a hand whenever he could, and the deep love he had for his family.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Pepper; daughter Lori (Brad) Hawn; grandchildren Ryan (Skye) Pepper, Amber (Herbie) Pepper-Brooks, Skyler Harnish, Madison Hawn, and Brayden Hawn; 8 great-grandchildren; his fur baby Ginger; siblings Roger (Judy) Gray, Linda Pingel, Kevin (Carrie) Pepper, and Rhonda (Roger) Smith; sister-in-law Tona Pepper; and several nieces and nephews; family would like to give special thanks to his nurses, Marianne, Mary Kay, Heather and Elenor. He is predeceased by his parents; daughter Renee Pepper; great-grandson Jaxon Pepper; brothers Timmy and Terry Pepper; brother-in-law Eddie Pingel; and niece Janelle Gray-Baker.
There will be a Celebration of Life announced at a later date. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
Rex proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as an E5 Sergeant during the Vietnam Conflict. On January 3, 1969, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Lawson. A dedicated and highly skilled welder, Rex spent many years in the trade he loved and eventually opened his own business, Pepper's Welding and Fabricating. Known for his strong work ethic, he was happiest when he had a project to keep him busy.
He was a lifetime member of the Loves Park VFW Post 9759 and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 984. Outside of work, Rex enjoyed spending time outdoors—especially fishing, bird watching, and camping with his family. His greatest joy came from time spent with his grandchildren.
Rex will be remembered for his generosity, his willingness to lend a hand whenever he could, and the deep love he had for his family.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Pepper; daughter Lori (Brad) Hawn; grandchildren Ryan (Skye) Pepper, Amber (Herbie) Pepper-Brooks, Skyler Harnish, Madison Hawn, and Brayden Hawn; 8 great-grandchildren; his fur baby Ginger; siblings Roger (Judy) Gray, Linda Pingel, Kevin (Carrie) Pepper, and Rhonda (Roger) Smith; sister-in-law Tona Pepper; and several nieces and nephews; family would like to give special thanks to his nurses, Marianne, Mary Kay, Heather and Elenor. He is predeceased by his parents; daughter Renee Pepper; great-grandson Jaxon Pepper; brothers Timmy and Terry Pepper; brother-in-law Eddie Pingel; and niece Janelle Gray-Baker.
There will be a Celebration of Life announced at a later date. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Virgil Pepper, please visit our flower store.
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