Jesse T Johnson

Born December 16, 1947 in Tywappity Township, Mississippi County, Missouri to Robert Harold and Theda Jo (Brown) Johnson, he married Evonne Lynn Wyman on December 31, 1970 in Flat Rock. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Tracy (Jason) Taylor and Stacy Maneno, both of Pekin; one son, Jesse “JT” (Kristina) Johnson, II of Pekin; eight grandchildren, Heidi (John) Smith of Peoria, Ashley Reynolds, Andy Reynolds, Chelsea (Skyler McCreary) Maneno, Chad Maneno, Jesse T. Johnson, III, Lanie Johnson, and Jocelyn Johnson, all of Pekin; one great-grandson, Camden McCreary; three sisters, Mary Cutler of Uvalde, Texas, Burna (Billy) Shelton of Coalmont, TN, and Elaine (Ben) Nelson of Maryland; and one brother, Calvin Johnson of Newburg, Missouri; and his godson, Billy Hosick of Pekin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Betty Jo Peters and Lurlean Maneno; and two brothers, Larry Johnson and Robert Johnson.

He had served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968.

Jesse worked at Caterpillar, Inc. for 30 years, retiring in 1999 from rubber processing at the Peoria Tire Facility. He later was a school bus driver and mowed grass for the City of Pekin for 10 years. In earlier years, he had worked at Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1869 in Pekin, Andy’s Hunting Club, and Teamsters Local #627.

Jesse enjoyed riding motorcycles and camping, but his greatest love was his family especially his children and grandchildren.

A gathering celebrating Jesse’s life will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 28, 2016 at the Johnson home, 1001 Dell Avenue in Pekin.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 3000 Kelly Lane, Springfield, IL 62711.

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