Dan Ellis McCormick

He was born on March 12th, 1941, to Fred and Helen Nasser McCormick in Herrin, Illinois. He was a graduate of Herrin High School and a 1963 graduate of Bradley University. While at Bradley he was a member of Delta Upsilon, serving one year as Chapter President. He received his master’s degree from Illinois State University.

Dan started his professional career at East Peoria District 86 at Glendale School in the fall of 1963. While at District 86, he led the Endowment Advisory Committee in establishing the District 86 Foundation. He retired as Superintendent of East Peoria District 86 in 1994. Following his retirement, he was the Planning & Development Coordinator for Tazewell Woodford Head Start for over a decade. He married Rae Lyn Sarff on January 8, 1999 in Bloomington, Illinois.

A lifelong Democrat, he served one term on the East Peoria City Council and over 30 years with Groveland Township. While at the Township he served as Trustee, Town Clerk, and four terms as Supervisor. He was instrumental in the construction of the new Township Building and establishing the Barb Hart Scholarship Fund. He was an avid Cardinal fan (and has a brick at Busch Stadium to prove it) and Alabama football fan. Roll Tide! He was also a member of Wilmor Sportsman Club, former member of Peoria Sportsman club, and lifelong supporter of Ducks Unlimited. He loved the outdoors and hunting and fishing with family and friends. His last Crappie fishing trip was in Mississippi in June 2026.

He is survived by his wife, Rae Lyn McCormick of Foley, Al, one daughter, Kathy (Ned) Sheppard of Gulf Shores, Alabama and one son C. Steven (Cathy) McCormick of East Peoria, Illinois. He is also survived by three granddaughters, one grandson, a step grandson, three great granddaughters, two step great grandchildren, the Sarff family and more friends than he could count!

He was preceded in death by his parents and one half brother.

Dan and Rae Lyn moved to Alabama in 2021 for the warmer climate and the fabulous music scene!

Cremation rites are being conducted by the Neptune Society of Daphne, Al.

Celebrations of Life will be held at the Sea Pines of Bon Secour Clubhouse in Foley, AL on August 22, 2026 from 4-7 pm. A second Celebration will be held at the Pekin Moose Lodge in Pekin, IL on September 12, 2026 from 11:30-3.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to the East Peoria District 86 Foundation or the Alabama Coastal Foundation, Share the Beach Program (join ACF .org) or Donor's choice.