Gerald R. "Jerry" Peacock

Gerald R. "Jerry" Peacock
PEORIA - Gerald Reese "Jerry" Peacock, 89, of Peoria passed away at 5 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2016, at Lutheran Hillside Village.
He was born in Morris, IL, on February 8, 1927, to Charles and Lillian Peacock. Jerry was married to Ruth Spain on February 1, 1953, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. She preceded him in death on September 14, 1994.
Also preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers, Chester and Willis Peacock.
Surviving family members are one brother, Robert Peacock of Cottonwood, AZ; daughters, Sandra (Rick) Ringel of Little Elm, TX, and Donna Campbell of Peoria; grandchildren, Mary Ellen (Ringel) Deen and her husband, Josh, Heidi Ringel, Laurie Ringel, Benjamin Campbell and Rachel Campbell; and great-granddaughters, Grace and Hannah Deen.
Jerry joined the Merchant Marines after graduating from Morris High School and then graduated from Bradley University in 1954. He served proudly in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot, after which he worked at Hyster Co. in Peoria. He also was a founding member of Morton Metalcraft Co. in Morton, IL, from which he retired.
Some of his many hobbies were hunting, fishing and flying. In 2012, Jerry was awarded The Wright Brother "Master Pilot" Award from the FAA and flew for over 70 consecutive years. He was a world traveler and went on many mission trips, where he shared Jesus with all he met.
Jerry was an elder and active member at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Morton. He was also active as a chaplain in the American Legion, a friend of The Peoria Rescue Ministries and was associated with many other organizations over the years.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Decemer 14, 2016, at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Morton, with Pastor Mark Mincy and Pastor Steve Hauter officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at The Wilton Mortuary in Peoria, and one hour before services on Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens, with military rites conducted by the U.S. Air Force and American Legion Post 2.
Memorials may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church or Peoria Rescue Ministries.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thewiltonmortuary.com.