John Albert Gleason

Pekin ~ John Albert Gleason, 85, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Pekin, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at a care facility in Mesa. He was born on February 22, 1940, in Pekin, a son of John and Louise (Scruggs) Gleason.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Ann Carl of Pekin; a set of twins; one son, Derrick Gleason of Pekin and one daughter, Darci (Gleason) White of Libertyville.

He has one surviving son, Darin Gleason of Manito; one grandson, Ryan White; one granddaughter, Ashley Gleason; and one great-granddaughter, Juniper.

John was a graduate of Pekin Community High School and then enlisted in the Army. He spent his working years driving a truck and retired as a Teamster.

He loved traveling the country in his motor coach to watch auto racing. He also loved tennis, pickleball, and dancing in his retirement community, where he met many good friends. He will be missed by all.

John donated his body to science. There will be no services.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Phoenix Rescue Mission at https://phoenixrescuemission.org/give/ or Christian Family Care at https://cfcare.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/

Online condolences may be shared with John’s family at www.Preston-Hanley.com