Jerry Joseph Simpson

Jerry was born in Peoria on January 9, 1943, to Vergie Raymond and Viola Bernadine (Wall) Simpson. He wed Kathy Jo Gannon on June 11, 1966. Together they had two children.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Kathy; children Jeremy (Tonya) Simpson of Frisco, Texas and Amanda (Mike) Dudley of Peoria; grandchildren Jonathan (Amber) Simpson, Brandon Simpson, Olivia Simpson, Logan Dudley, and Alyssa Dudley; great grandchildren Jackson Simpson and Gannon Simpson; sister Sandie (Mike) Simmons of Bartonville, sisters-in-law Sr. Nancy Gannon of Plainfield and Cindy (Larry) Kaestler of Peoria, brother-in law Tim (Michelle) Gannon, and bonus sister-in-law Sr. Monica Sesko; nieces and nephews Damon (Jamie) Fetters, Jon (Lindsey) Simmons, Angela (Ben) Williams, Andrea (Dan) Templar, Sabrina (Nick) Crumrine, Amber (Jason) Myers, Justin (Tiffany) Kaestler, Breann (David) Williams, Rachael (Tim) Dunn, Paige Gannon-White, Taylor Gannon; and numerous cousins and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

He graduated from Bradley University in 1966 and Fordham University with a Master’s in 1983. While attending Bradley, he worked at Kroger’s where he met his future wife. Jerry taught and coached at Norwood Elementary and Mid County High School. He spent 26 years with the Federal Government as a Federal Probation Officer. After a short retirement, he worked for 8 years as a Dean at Pleasant Valley Elementary and Middle Schools.

Jerry enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and college basketball. He liked to fish, bowl, play softball, play poker with his “study” group, and play dominoes. Golfing was another pastime he enjoyed, serving as President of the Senior Golf League for several years. Showing pictures and talking about his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was his favorite thing to do. He was active in Boy Scouts as a youth and was a District Commissioner when his son was in Boy Scouts. Jerry was active and a Past Master of the Masonic Grand View Lodge 1112, as well as serving as the Thrice Potent Master of Central City Lodge of Perfection in the Scottish Rite. He was a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Masonic Cathedral Lodge 1179.

Jerry was an extremely active, long-time member of Mosaic (Memorial) Christian Church; serving as an Elder, Chairman of the Board, Trustee, and Chairman of committees. He took on all of those roles numerous times throughout the years.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, with a visitation 2 hours prior. Interment at Parkview Cemetery will follow the service.

Memorial contributions may be given to Mosaic Christian Church, 2507 W Newman Parkway, Peoria, IL 61604 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

You may view Jerry’s obituary online at www.Davison-Fulton.com