Ronald "Ronnie" J Gilchrist

Born September 20, 1946 in Peoria to James and Evelyn (Volk) Gilchrist, he married Josephine “Josie” Penning on May 7, 1988 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Gordon (Christina) Gilchrist and Ronnie (Bori) Gilchrist, Jr., both of Portland, Oregon; four daughters, Kimberly Kirtley, Jennifer (Greg) Faux, Kayla Penning, and Kendra Shallenberger, all of Pekin; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

His parents preceded him in death.

Ronnie had worked for the Pekin Police Department as a police officer and later for the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office as a jailer and later as a deputy. He last worked for the Multi-County Narcotics Group. He also had been a bricklayer for many years working out of Bricklayers Local #6, retiring in 2015.

He was a member of New Life Fellowship in Pekin and was a 20 year member of Empire Masonic Lodge #126 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Pekin

Ronnie enjoyed hunting and fishing.

A service celebrating Ronnie’s life will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at New Life Fellowship, 1014 Derby Street in Pekin. Pastor Mark Utech will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service.

Cremation arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois River Valley Special Recreation Association, 250 Red Bud Drive, Pekin, IL 61554 or to the family to help with expenses.

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