The man who knew the law well enough to get himself arrested in winter and freed in the summer; who had a flair for extraordinary original-art headwear made of recycled materials; who long served as an interesting fixture on the downtown streets of Peoria has died.
Willie York was possibly Peoria’s most notable street person.
York died at Richard Owens Hospice Wednesday at 6:15 a.m.
He had been absent from the streets in recent years, residing at Sharon Healthcare. The Peoria County Coroner says he died of natural causes.
Willie York was 74.