Gerald T. Potter

Gerald Thomas Potter, 86, passed away at his home in Peoria, to his eternal home with Christ, on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 2:10 am. Jerry was born on June 7, 1930, in East Peoria, Illinois, to Andie E. and Minnie C. (Hoffer) Potter. Jerry married the love of his life, Betty L. Jones, on April 30, 1949, in Peoria. She preceded him in death on November 2, 2002, in Peoria. Also preceding him were his parents, his brother, James Potter; sister, Mary Ann Powell; and one great grandchild. Among those greatly missing Jerry are his four children, all in the Peoria area, daughters Linda (Tom) Jackson, Carol McGlasson, Janet (Dave) Gualdoni and son Kenny (Diana) Potter; and grandchildren Jeff (Steph) Jackson, Brian (Briana) Jackson, Kathy (Clint) Look, Jai (Dale) Moss, Alicia Potter, Shelby (Matt) Martin; and three great grandchildren. He defied Stage IV Esophageal Cancer for over 1 ½ years, keeping busy with chores around his home and with helping others as much as possible, until his health rapidly declined in December 2016. Jerry never knew a stranger. At age 16, Jerry had a job driving new trucks back from Lansing, Michigan, each trip starting with taking the train from downtown Peoria. At age 19, he began his career as truck driver for N.E. Finch, retiring at age 60 in 1990. After retirement, Jerry and Betty enjoyed spending winters in the Yuma, Arizona area. After Betty passed, Jerry still made several trips out west, his last being to Washington and Oregon in May 2015. Jerry was in the Army Reserves, 123rd Infantry, out of Pekin, Illinois, from 1948 until 1951. He looked forward to attending The Redeemer’s Special Church every Sunday afternoon and enjoyed fellowship following services. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Monday, January 30, 2017 at the Davison Fulton Woodland Chapel. The Pastor Jack Cook will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday at the funeral chapel from 5 until 7pm. Burial will be in the Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Illinois Chapter or to the Hidden Manna Food Pantry, 644 Park Ave. Peoria, Illinois 61603. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.com.