Darren L Gay

Born January 4, 1960 in Peoria to John and Judith (Combs) Gay, Jr., he was united in marriage to Mary E. Kline on February 7, 1987 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are his mother of Pekin; three sons, Allen (Alicia) Hawkins of Pekin, Jonathon (Rachael) Gay of South Pekin, Austin L. Gay of South Pekin; two grandchildren, Lexi and Hunter and a third grandchild on the way; two brothers, John E. (Darcy) Gay, Robert (Tami) Gay, both of Pekin; one sister, Lynn Gay of Pekin; one half-brother, Dennis (Debi) Landwehr of East Peoria.

He was preceded in death by his father and all his grandparents.

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, father, brother and uncles, Darren was a member of and worked out of the Carpenter’s Local #237 for 20 years, last working May 22, 2013.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1869 in Pekin.

Darren was a member of the band Lost Creek, formerly Brothers Keeper. He loved playing the guitar and singing with his friends for more than 40 years. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan and loved all sports. When he was in Edison Junior High School, he was voted best defensive player on the basketball team that won their division. Darren had a quick wit and could always make anyone laugh. He loved the holidays, especially Christmas, where he went out every year with his family and got the biggest real tree he could find and enjoy. He also enjoyed taking the boys on vacation and the yearly canoe trips with his wife and their friends. He will be missed by many.

Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 4, 2013 at Glendale Memory Gardens in Pekin. Rev. David Craig will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, November 3, 2013 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Peoria Rescue Ministries, P.O. Box 837, Peoria, IL 61652 or to Salvation Army for the food bank, 243 Derby Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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