Robert "Jerry" G. Bailey Jr.

Pekin ~ Robert G. "Jerry" Bailey, Jr., 79, of Pekin, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy. He was born on August 6, 1947, in Peoria, a son of Robert Gerald Bailey, Sr. and Helen (Mordue) Bailey. Jerry married Linda M. Schoenbein on January 1, 2000 in Pekin. She survives.

He is also survived by his three children, Daniel (Mandi) Bailey and Kelli (Brian) McIntyre, both of Pekin and Sara (Sergei) Musulkin of Champaign; 10 grandchildren, Skylar, Cameron, Brayden, Olivia, and Ariyanna Bailey, Ali Hoskins, Hope (Bob) Stoor, Bailey Bartels, Dylan Bartels; nine great-grandchildren; several siblings; and several nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; and several brothers and sisters.

He was a graduate of Manual High School in Peoria.

He was drafted by the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam War.

Jerry worked as a millwright for 31 years at Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria, retiring in 2000.

He was a member of the UAW Local 974 in East Peoria and a former member of the Pekin Elks Lodge #1271. Jerry enjoyed fishing, camping, woodworking, and Bob Ross Painting. He was very supportive of his kids and grandkids in their sporting events over the years. He will always be remembered as someone who gave generously of his time helping others. Jerry didn't know a stranger and would talk to anybody.

Jerry's family has arranged at celebration of life gathering from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the Roy L. King VFW Post 1232 in Pekin. Military rites will be accorded at 2:30 pm also at the VFW Post. Cremation has been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Pekin at https://bgcpekinil.org/teachers/

Jerry's family would like to thank the staff at the Illinois Veterans' Home in Quincy - Schapers Dementia Care Unit for the outstanding care given to him the past three years.

Online condolences may be shared with Jerry's family at www.Preston-Hanley.com