Kelton M. Tingley

Kelton Tingley, 11, of Galesburg, IL, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL, surrounded by his loving family.

Kelton was born on April 5, 2014, in Galesburg, IL, perfectly destined for his mom, Nicole, and dad, Tyler. From the beginning, he filled the world around him with a joy and magic that were uniquely his. In time, his family grew to include his doods, Henry, and later his hand-picked orange boy, Hobbs, who completed his little circle of love.

He adored kisses from Lala and trips to the store with Papa, where he always knew exactly which frozen treats were calling his name. No week ever felt complete without a lunch or dinner date with Grandma and Grandpa, Cherry Street quickly became their place.

Kelton’s favorites were many and wonderfully specific: plushies of all kinds, music that spoke to his soul, water that calmed and thrilled him, and angel hair pasta with tomato sauce and sour cream. He never turned down a frozen treat or a bagel from Java Sidecar. And, of course, he believed in taking his time in the bathroom, one of his signature qualities- “His Office”.

Kelton was always up for a trip to Five Below with Morgan, or a road trip with either Mom or Dad, cruising to tunes. He loved discovering new recipes and watching YOU make them, delighting in the process as much as the initial bite. He never met a new candy, special-edition snack, or meal deal he wouldn’t try, life was meant to be tried and tasted.

Kelton loved connections with people, with music, with the world around him. He had an intuitive sense for when his people needed a FaceTime call and never wasted a minute to reach out, to share his presence, his humor, and his heart.

His legacy is one of curiosity, connection, sweetness, and pure authenticity. He loved deeply, laughed freely, and lived in a way that reminded everyone around him to savor the little joys, one tune, one treat, one moment at a time. Kelton embraced his Autistic Awesomeness, in every sense of the way!

Kelton was also loved by countless friends who became family, each holding a special piece of his heart.

Kelton is survived by his parents, Tyler & Nicole Tingley; his best friend, Morgan Crowl; his grandparents, Tony “Papa” & Rosemary “Nana” Martin, Larry & Anita Tingley; his great grandpa Ronald Haffner; His aunts and uncles, Josh & Dori Martin, Amanda & Daniel Kendall, Jessica Thompson, and Constance Robinson. Also surviving are his cousins, Max Martin, Emerson Martin, Alexia Kendall, Evan Kendall, Elle DeJaynes, Gage Ohland, Camryn Ohland, and numerous friends, who loved him deeply.

He was greeted with open arms by many who left before him. Hanner (Great-Aunt Janice Short) had her pudding pie ready, Great-Grandma (Alice Haffner) and his Aunt Mel (Melissa Martin) were waiting to snuggle him and listen to him catch them up on the latest going ons with his tribe.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 3:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, December 12, 2025 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, you can bring a plushy or toy to the gathering or memorials can be made to LoveKelton, donations will be used to champion the needs of autistic individuals through keeping Kelton’s Spirit alive. You can use the QR Code below to donate directly. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the arrangements.