OBITUARY

Gary Church

June 10, 1944 – January 6, 2021

EAST PEORIA ~ Gary Alan Church, 76, of East Peoria, passed away at 4:21 a.m. on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at his home after a yearlong battle with colon cancer.

Born June 10, 1944 in Peoria to Charles and Ethel (Ericson) Church, he married Barbara Cripe on June 26, 1965. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Scott and Tim (Paula) Church, both of East Peoria and five grandchildren, Matthew, Michael, Elizabeth, William and Margaret.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; one brother and one daughter-in-law, Jeannie Church. Gary graduated from East Peoria Community High School in 1962 and attended Midstate College. He worked at Miller Hardware retiring in 1991.

He enjoyed the annual family trip to St. George Island, Florida for 18 years. He also followed his grandchildren’s activities and was extremely proud of their achievements in East Peoria High and SIUC Cross Country and track meets, Peoria Ballet Nutcracker performances and figure skating competitions. Gary was a member of the First United Methodist Church of East Peoria for 52 years and a past board member of East Peoria Community Baseball.

Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur. A burial of cremated remains will be held at a later date at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria. Per Gary’s wishes there will be no services.

Memorial contributions may be made to East Peoria District #86 Foundation, 601 Taylor St. East Peoria, IL 61611 or Illinois CancerCare Foundation, 8940 N. Wood Sage Rd. Peoria, IL 61615 or to First United Methodist Church of East Peoria, 154 E. Washington St. East Peoria, IL 61611.

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

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Gary Church

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Judith Triggs

January 11, 2021

Dear Barb and family,

Dennis and I send our condolences to you and the family.

With deepest sympathy,
Judy Triggs

Kent & Judy McBrayer

January 9, 2021

Barb, Scott, Tim and Family,

So very sorry to hear about Gary passing away. What a great guy! Living in East Peoria, walking and running Fondulac Dr. , it was always a pleasure to visit with Gary. He always stopped with his yard work and had time to chat. He was so proud of his grandchildren and we loved hearing about their accomplishments. We missed seeing him last March and didn’t realize that he had been battling cancer until the Christmas card came in December. Lifting the family up in prayer. Love and Blessings.

Sally Sumner

January 9, 2021

Barb and Family,
Phil and I are very sorry for your loss. We will always remember the wonderful man Gary was and will cherish our visits we had with both of you.

May you and your family find peace and comfort knowing Gary is out of pain. He will proudly be watching over you and family.

With deepest sympathy,
Sally Sumner and Phil Jordan

Greg Larson

January 8, 2021

Scott and family our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.

Greg & Bonnie Larson

Tom Freeman

January 8, 2021

Barb and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing and want to express our deepest sympathy to you all. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Tom & Apple Freeman
Bangkok, Thailand

Larry Campbell

January 8, 2021

I bear witness as I walk on the road named ETERNITY to a friend, Gary Church, who at a distance before me stands on the horizon, sees beyond that point of departure that I cannot yet see. He slowly turns around and with a broad grin and a strong "thumbs-up" faces all those people he loves still waiting to catch up with him.
He beckons and with tears of both the present sadness and future joy we receive.

Barb, I will always remember the good times we shared in those crazy high school years. I thank you and Gary for that enrichment to my life.
Larry.

Carolyn Ellis

January 8, 2021

Sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers are with you

Dominy Family

January 8, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this time. Gary was a wonderful person and everyone will keep and hold onto wonderful memories of him.

May your family find peace and comfort through this difficult time.

Tim, Jackie, Garrett, and Danielle Dominy

Lynda and Bob Renken

January 7, 2021

Barb, Scott, Tim and families,

We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you at this very sad time.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Lynda and Bob Renken
Jeff and Tony Condo and families

Barbara Abernethy

January 7, 2021

I am so sorry for the loss of your husband Gary. Though he is free of his pain, I wish you strength in the days ahead. I know he will be missed by many.

FROM THE FAMILY