Eugene H. Emmons

Born August 17, 1935 in Pekin to Bert and Lenora (Connett) Emmons, he married Dolores D. Hayes on January 2, 1954 in Darlington, South Carolina. She survives.

Also surviving are two son, Rodney (Sherry) Emmons and Bryan (Sue) Emmons, both of Manito; one daughter, Cheryl (Michael) Cockerham of Manito; eight grandchildren, Travis Quick, Tera (Patrick) Butler, Brandon (sierra) Emmons, Cody (Andrea) Emmons, Megan Emmons, Hannah Emmons, Jake (Aprile) Smith and Justin (Brandy) Mangold; ten great-grandchildren, Jakob Quick, Emma Quick, Houston Butler, Titus Butler, Trenton Butler, Jaina Butler, Avery Voyles, Addie Smith, Draven Mangold and Zander Mangold; four great-great-grandchildren, Jakobi Quick, Hazel Quick, Ari Quick and Malcolm Laswell; one brother, Walter (Diane) Emmons of Manito and many nieces and nephews. Gene was also looking forward to the birth of another great-grandchild and a great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Troy Emmons; two brothers, William “Billy” Emmons and Bert Emmons, Jr. and two sisters, Eileen Beemer and Lois Maxey.

Gene was a United States Navy veteran of the Korean War, serving aboard the USS Gearing 710.

He worked for Keystone Steel & Wire Company in Bartonville for 38 years, retiring in 1993.

Gene was a life member of the Peoria Sportsman’s Club and a member of Hill Palmer American Legion Post 561 in Manito. He also was a life member of Pekin Moose Lodge 916 and a member of Pekin Eagles Aerie 1869.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. Gene also formerly enjoyed playing the harmonica, traveling and tinkering in his shed or mowing the grass.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 1, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Tom Tincher will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Navy and his American Legion Post.

Memorial contributions may be made to Greater Peoria Honor Flight, P.O. Box 5072, Peoria, IL 61601.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com