Warren William Gay

Born November 13, 1933 in Peoria to Kenneth and Bernice (Derry) Gay, he married Patricia K. Weghorst on March 20, 1954 in Pekin.

Surviving are his wife of 69 years; two daughters, Kathryn (Roger) Gensel of Manito and Sandy (Mike) Larson of Metamora; two sons, Ken (Bobbie) Gay of Tucson, Arizona and David (Cindy) Gay of Pekin; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and his sister-in-law, Pat Gay of East Peoria.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Dorothy Gay; one daughter, Lori Berardi; one granddaughter, Rebecca Berardi and two brothers, Richard and Larno Gay.

Warren was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving from 1952 to 1957.

He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Archbishop Schlarman Council 3507, where he served as Grand Knight of the Third Degree and as Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree of Assembly 210.

Warren had worked at Caterpillar, Inc. for 30-plus years where he last worked as a field engineer in the Decatur Mining Division before his retirement in 1992.

He was an avid stamp collector and belonged to the Tri-County Stamp Clubs and Caterpillar Retiree Club.

Warren was a longtime member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, where he had served as head usher for many years.

A gathering celebrating Warren’s life will be held at a later date. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to OSF Hospice, especially Courtney, Alyssa, Tara and Katie for their compassion and care they provided.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61637 or Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

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