John T. Chears

Born on December 25, 1963, in Peoria, a son of Kenneth Perkins and Opal Hyde.

John worked as a custodian for most of his life.

He is survived by his wife; Paula Chears of Pekin, one daughter; Lori (James) Durbin of Pekin, six grandchildren, Lorenzo, JJ, Lili, Audi, Jazzy and JuJu, four siblings; Charles (Candy) Chears of Canton, Wayne (Diana) Chears of Dothan, Alabama, Tony (Jeanette) Chears of Smithfield, North Carolina and Steven (Stacy) Keen of Pekin, two sisters; Onya Keen of Lewistown and Katrina Perkins of Peoria.

John was preceded in death by his parents; two stepfather’s, John Thurman Chears Sr and Wilson C. Keen; two sons, Christopher

Chears and Brian Chears.

He was a member of City Church in Pekin. John enjoyed playing video games with his son-in-law and grandchildren. He loved building models, watching old westerns, Godzilla, the Bushman. John was an avid fan of the San Franciso 49ers and The Band KISS.

Memorial Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at City Church Pekin from 2 to 3 p.m. Memorial service will start at 3 p.m. Pastor Shane Hawkins will officiate the service. A celebration of life will follow at the 4H Building in the Pekin Park from 4 to 7 p.m. Cremation Rites have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory Pekin Chapel.

Memorial contributions in honor of John may be directed to Pekin City Church 335 Sabella Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com