Sheldon R. "Cotton" Pence, 80, of Dallas City, Illinois passed away at 3:44 a.m. Monday, October 28, 2024 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.

Cotton was born March 13, 1944 in Lomax, Illinois, the son of Earnest "Woody" and Helen (Sherman) Pence. Earlier in life, he married Sherrie Logan. They later divorced. On June 30, 1990 he married Kathie Hainline in Henderson County, Illinois. She survives.

Mr. Pence attended Dallas City High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, he worked various jobs including at Cole Implement, Dave Morris Construction, Murray Iron Work and many others, before beginning a long career with Case in Burlington, Iowa. He was a member of the UAW #807 and the former Lomax Saddle Club.

He enjoyed raising horses, hunting, fishing, camping, and telling tall tales. He had a great sense of humor.

Besides his wife, Kathie, survivors include four children: Michael (Kathy) Pence of Fort Madison, Iowa, Rod (Beth) Pence of Dallas City, Danielle (Henry) Brill of Oquawka and Bobby Brill of Burlington; seven grandchildren: Zachary, Emily, Leah, Lara, Noah, Hailie and BJ; six great-grandchildren with one more on the way; one sister: Deb Worley of Lomax and five brothers: Larry Pence of Dallas City, Jimmy (Edna) Pence of Dallas City, Joe (LouAnn) Pence of Carthage, Wyverne (Nancy) Pence of Pleasant Plains and Randy (Carol) Pence of Niota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: David, Ronnie and Roger Pence and two sisters: Gwendolyn Schiedel and Anona Widener.

Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service Cotton will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 1, 2024 at Banks & Beals in Dallas City with Pastor Larry Menschel officiating. Burial with Military Rites will follow in Crane Cemetery, near Lomax.

A memorial fund has been established for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Cotton's obituary at banksandbeals.com.