John P. Gardner Sr.

East Peoria – John P. Gardner, Sr., 64, of East Peoria, IL passed away Thursday, February 12, 2015 at his residence with his loving family by his side. John was born May 18, 1950 in Peoria, IL to Charles and Erna (Moeller) Gardner.

Surviving is his fiancé Josie Fincham of East Peoria, IL, two sons; John (Crystal) Gardner, Jr., and Robert Gardner of Dunlap, IL, four daughters; Mia Fincham of Peoria, IL, Sophia McCormack of Peoria, IL, Sheria (Brock) Quinlan of Peoria, IL, and Cia Fincham of Peoria, IL, eleven grandchildren, two brothers; James (Vicky) Gardner of Peoria, IL and Steve (Candy) Gardner of Peoria, IL, and his sister Therese (John) Jones of Dunlap, IL. John was preceded in death by his parents.

John was the past president and longtime electrician at Oberlander Electric Company, Inc. in East Peoria, IL. John and his brothers managed the business for their father, “Charlie”, and helped grow it to what it is today.

His hobbies included everything to do with motorcycles, R/C boats and airplanes, golf, go-karts and piloting airplanes. John was an Illinois State flat track motorcycle champion, a flag man at the Peoria Speedway, a Pekin Country Club member for over twenty years and a Board member, a diehard Bradley Braves fan, and a Chicago Bears fan. John also served terms on the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce Board. Most of all, John was a family man, loving to spend time with his family and friends here in the Peoria area, at their winter home in Fort Myers, FL and on his annual golf trip to Myrtle Beach, SC where he has been visiting for over twenty years.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Fr. Dustin Schultz officiating. Visitation will be from 5 – 8 pm Monday at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, 2021 N. University St., Peoria, IL. Interment will be in Springdale Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate. Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com