Abraham Lenoir Jr.

Abraham "Buddy" Lenoir Jr., went to his eternal home on January 13, 2014, after a prolonged illness. He was the second child born to Abraham, Sr. and Sarah Lenoir on December 19, 1932, in Freeport, Illinois. Abe was blessed with quick wit, keen intellect, photographic memory and an exceptional artistic talent. Known for his deep, rich, baritone singing voice, Abe never hesitated to "break into song" at any given moment. He had a huge infectious personality and somehow always seemed to be the center of attention. He also had a great sense of humor and was never without a joke, a tall tale or a good story. Abe loved good food - he viewed eating as an "event". He loved a succulent steak, barbecued ribs, smothered pork chops - and most of all, corn on the cob. He spoke fondly of his all-time favorite dessert being his mother's sweet potato pie. Known as Abe or "Buddy" to his family and friends, he came to know Christ at an early age, and was baptized. He treasured attending church, and was a long time, active member of First Church of God. He was active in many ministries, but mostly loved being a Sunday school teacher and member of the church choir. Abe cherished his family and his hometown of Freeport, Illinois. Although he would relocate, no matter where in the world he went, Abe was always drawn home - to him, no where could compare to his beloved Freeport. Upon graduating from Freeport High School in 1951, he attended art school in Washington, D.C., for a short time and returned home to hold several positions in local companies including Burgess Battery, until landing a position in the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked at the Freeport postal facility for over 30 years and retired. Although Abe may have retired, a legacy of his artwork remains in service and prominently on display in the lobby at the Freeport Post Office. It is a large mural done in water colors which depicts the second of seven Lincoln-Douglas debates, which was held in Freeport in 1858. Abe married his last wife, Vanetta Veasley in 1988, and after a prolonged illness, she preceded him in death in January 2006. Abe was brutally attacked in his home in June 2006 and survived, earning the nickname "The Strong Man of Freeport" from his children. In 2008, he suffered a series of medical setbacks as a result of the 2006 attack, and had to be admitted to long-term care at Liberty Village - Manor Court in Freeport, where he was cared for until his passing. Abe leaves to cherish loving memories, six children from two previous marriages: Darrell Lenoir of Chicago, IL; Cheryl Lenoir of Rockford, IL; Terrance Lenoir of Round Lake Beach, IL; Ava (Andrew, Jr.) Ivy of Great Lakes, IL; Darla Lenoir of Atlanta, GA, and Abraham (Utip) Lenoir, III of Great Lakes, IL. He leaves six grand children; LaPrisha Lenoir, Kyle Lenoir, Blake Lenoir, Keyarah Lenoir, Shane Smith, and Allahnia Lenoir, and two great-grandchildren. He is survived by four siblings; Ralph (Jean) Lenoir of Freeport, Rose Marie (Oather, Jr.) Taylor of Freeport, Alvin (Jean) Lenoir of Atlanta, GA, and Vicki Kendrick of Lakeland, FL. Also surviving are his step-children and step-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Abe was also preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Albert Lenoir, and sister Minnette Burks. A memorial has been established in his memory for The National Center for Victims of Crime. Funeral services for Mr. Lenoir will be Saturday, 11:00 a.m. at First Church of God, Freeport. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the Church. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.