Gaylord O. Ackerson

Gaylord O. Ackerson, 85, of Avon, Illinois, passed away at 8:55 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Sunset Rehab and Health Care in Canton, IL. He was born July 19, 1939, in Farmington, IL, to Perry and Susie (McNeeley) Ackerson. He married Virginia I. Rock on June 6, 1960, in Bushnell, IL. She survives. Also surviving are three children, Gayla (Tim) English of Bushnell, IL; Brian (Christine Wrobleski) Ackerson of Harrington Park, NJ; Chantelle (Jason) Simmons of Bushnell, IL; eleven grandchildren--Georgia (Nathan) Merki, Bethany (Nathan) Barr, Stellera (Mason) Roth, Cora (Bill) Walker, Maddie (Clay) Klinedinst, Jilliann English, Isabelle (Daniel) Hammond; Alexander, Zachary, and Olivia Ackerson; and Chloe (Chase) Gaumer; seventeen great-grandchildren--Benjamin, Asher, Lincoln, Phineas, Silas, and Jude Merki; Daisy, Ramona, Lee, and Dottie Barr; Walter and Harland Roth; Sara Walker; Gwendolyn Hammond; and Hazel, Ellie, and Reece Gaumer; and one sister, Donna Sue (Larry) Campbell of Inman, S.C. Gaylord was an avid hunter, outdoorsman, and expert marksman including the winner of multiple trap shoot awards. In his early adult life, he developed the skill to take the most pathetic looking gun and turn it into a useful implement. He loved being outside and went stir crazy if he was inside too long. Sometimes, he even made excuses to ride his mule, look for arrowheads, or take his grandkids on a ride on the side by side. His family especially liked it when he went for long walks in the woods during mushroom season! He spent his career in construction, beginning as a carpenter. He worked his way up to becoming the superintendent for a construction company that produced and renovated major projects for universities, hospitals, banks, museums, factories, and commercial businesses, including the first Aldi stores in Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Highland, Indiana. Because he had to supervise so many places and solve problems that arose on location daily, Gaylord obtained his private pilot license and his boss bought a plane for him to use. His boss even rented out Gaylords expertise to architect firms from time to time. His carpentry skills were not limited to his occupation. He created furniture, wall carvings, and cabinetry. He also used his skills to build a large home for his family twice from scratch with basically only help from his wife. He also helped his children with multiple projects on their homes. Actually, Gaylord tried his hand at multiple crafts and building projects, including leatherworking. Gaylord had always had a love for farming and helped his friends on their farms free of charge. He and Virginia eventually got their own farm with tillable ground and pastures for cattle. With most things in his life, he had a humble start and built up his resources. For example, he rebuilt two collector John Deere tractors in order to sell them to get a larger, newer tractor with a cab. Gaylord was known for his generosity and kindness to the community. He was very resourceful, hardworking, and had a nearly photographic memory. He never met a problem he could not eventually solve or find a viable alternative. That is until he had his strokes. Even then, he often surprised his physical therapists and captured the hearts of his caretakers and fellow residents at Sunset Manor. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Martin-Hollis Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Eden officiating. Visitation will be Friday, November 1, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Martin-Hollis Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Bushnell Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Bushnell or the Smithfield Sportsmans Club. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com Visitation Friday, November 1, 2024 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Martin-Hollis Funeral Home 771 North Crafford Street Bushnell,IL 61422 Funeral Service Saturday, November 2, 2024 10:00 AM Martin-Hollis Funeral Home 771 North Crafford Street Bushnell,IL 61422 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Gaylord, please visit our Tree Store.