Gerald D Jernigan

Born April 17, 1949 in Highland, IL to Calvin E. and Sylvia (Helig) Jernigan, he married Ruth White on July 17, 1973 in Pekin.  She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Christopher (Tonya) Jernigan of Bartonville, Eric Treadway of Olive Hill, KY; one daughter, April Chitwood of Peoria; seven grandchildren, Rebecca, Michael, Mercedes, Madison, Topher, Abbie and Da'Rron; one great-granddaughter, Whitley; three sisters, Helen (Fred) Vaughn of Pocahontas, IL, Thelma Payne of Paragould, AR, and Dorothy Franks of Fredericktown, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and one sister.

Jerry served in the Seabees in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era.

He worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 30 years, retiring in 2003.  Following his retirement, he worked 4 years for Big Lots in Peoria.

An avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and cooking out with his family.  He loved going to his grandchildren's basketball games.  They were the joy of his life!

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in East Peoria.  Rev. Kurt Mews will officiate.  Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.  Burial will be at 2 p.m. in Maple Ridge Cemetery in Mapleton.  Military honors will be provided by Military Funeral Honors Team and Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate, 4722 North Sheridan Rd., Peoria, IL 61614.

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