Jon E. Lickey

Jon E. Lickey, 77, of Peoria, IL, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 4, 2025, while surrounded by his loving family at Carle Health Proctor Hospital in Peoria, IL, after suffering from Kennedy's Disease for many years.
He was born on March 24, 1947, in Victoria, VA, the son of Bruce and Lillian Stephens Lickey. He was raised in Richmond, VA, by William "Billy" and Elaine Lickey and graduated from Hermitage High School.
Jon married Janet Hoerle on August 3, 1969, in Rock Falls, IL. She survives. Also surviving are daughter Virginia (Scott) Greer of Georgetown, IN, and son Jon Nathan (Jessica) Lickey of Anderson, IN. His four granddaughters are Isabella Greer, Elizabeth Lickey, Susannah Lickey, and Taylor Greer. Siblings: Ella May "Carol", Glenn, Daniel, Sheri, Jason, and Ginger; special siblings, Dennis, Hazel, Robert "Bobby", and Faye; step-sister, Shirley. Along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Lillian, Uncle Billy and Aunt Elaine, stepmother, Edna Mae, special sibling David, and several step-siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Jon enlisted in the Navy in April 1967. He proudly served aboard the USS Coral Sea, a Midway-class aircraft carrier, where he completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. Upon completing Active Duty Service, he joined the Naval Reserves in Peoria, where he reached the rank of Petty Officer First Class. He was Honorably Discharged in February 1992.
Jon also enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in Peoria, retiring in 2009 after many years of dedicated service. He was a proud member of the National Association of Letter Carriers.
His commitment to serving others extended beyond his professional life. Throughout his life, Jon has enjoyed sailing, history, being a brigade leader, and being a father figure to many.
In addition to his military service, Jon was a member of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, Colonel John C. Bryner Camp #67 in Peoria, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, USS Coral Sea Association, and the Naval Fleet Reserves Association. Jon was honored and grateful to be able to participate in a Greater Peoria Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., in May 2019 with Nathan.
As a faithful follower of Jesus Christ for many years, Jon was a longtime and active member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. He enjoyed working and leading the Christian Service Brigade, driving the bus for the Special Needs groups, working in the television studio, and being a part of his Man to Man Bible Study Group and the Christ First Bible Class. Jon loved his church family, but most of all, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Cremation has been accorded. A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 am on Monday, January 13, 2025, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. Visitation will be from 9 am until 10:45 am also at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those wishing to honor Jon's memory to consider donating to the Kennedy's Disease Association https://kennedysdisease.org/who-we-are/ways-to-help/ways-to-donate.html, The Greater Peoria Honor Flight, https://www.greaterpeoriahonorflight.org/ or Grace Presbyterian Church. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services, Peoria, has been entrusted with arrangements.
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