Gerald Jerry "Jerry" F. Collins

He was born on October 17, 1932 in Galva, IL to Julius and Elizabeth Hamilton Collins. He married Joyce Baxter on April 17, 1955 in Spartanburg, SC. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter; Becky (Andy) Moore of Peoria, one son; Jerry Jr. (Brenda Schierl) of Hanna City, one son-in-law; Jeff Lentz of Norwood, six grandchildren; Shannon, Kiley, Caitlyn, Hannah, Ethan and Cami, several nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Missy.

Jerry was preceded in death by one daughter; Colleen Lentz, one granddaughter; Andrea Kay Moore, three sisters, and three brothers.

He worked for Operating Engineers Local # 649 for 45 years, until retiring in 1994. After retirement, he worked on mowers and small engines and became known as “The Lawn Mower Man”. He enjoyed feeding many types of birds at his home, and enjoyed camping at Little Swan Lake in Avon, IL for many years. He was also a member of Hanna City Sportsmans Club and a 20 year member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 13, 2011 at 11am at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel, Bartonville, IL. Rev. Karl Eckhoff will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday, May 12, 2011 from 5-7pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) (2720 River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018), or to Easter Seals (507 East Armstrong Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603-3197).