Jerry Wilson, 73, of Peoria, passed away at 9:16 p.m. on Monday, March 22, 2010, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, surrounded by his family. Today we rejoice, knowing that he is with the Savior he faithfully served.
Jerry was born in Franklin County on June 25, 1936, a son of Ralph and Alla (Todd) Wilson. They preceded him in death, along with three brothers, Lee Todd, James Charles and Duck Wilson. He married Claudia J. Eubanks on July 16, 1955 in Benton. She survives.
He is also survived by his daughter, Debbie (Mike) Meinders of Wyoming; son, Terry (Deborah) Wilson of Davenport; grandchildren, Shane (Michelle) Meinders, Stacey (Kyle) Heinz, Steven Wilson and Sarah Wilson; eight great grandchildren; siblings, Betty Hall of Newell, WV, Herb Wilson of Peoria, Nancy Woodall of East Peoria and Bob Wilson of Texarkana, TX.
Jerry was a writer, editor and information integrator with the information division of Caterpillar, Inc., retiring in 1998, after forty-three years of service. He was a member of Eastside Bible Church in Morton.
As a young man, he came to Peoria to work for Caterpillar, Inc. It wasn’t long before he was joined by his beautiful bride and love of his life, Claudia. Married for almost fifty-five years, together they built a life filled with family, friends and faith. They have been blessed with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren – all who have been an integral part of their lives, each one special and loved dearly.
Jerry and Claudia lived life to the fullest, enjoying each day and giving thanks that they had those days together. They enjoyed traveling – especially to southern gospel “singings.” Jerry was willing to travel anywhere to enjoy a concert of his favorite music. Through the years, Jerry and Claudia forged many lasting friendships with fellow fans and with members of the professional gospel groups. Jerry would often assist them with booking concert dates in the Peoria area. Both he and Claudia enjoyed helping the groups set up for their concerts near and far.
In addition to his enjoyment of southern gospel music, Jerry was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinal fan and a sports enthusiast.
Always ready with a story, he was the resident joke teller and could fire a pun so fast that no one would see it coming. He delighted in the groaners and the memory of his laughter will carry his loved ones through these difficult days.
Whether he was called Jerry, Honey, Pop, Dad, Pa, Gramps, Puncle or even George, friends and family all knew they could count on him to help them out. His mechanical expertise and talent with woodworking and gardening will long be remembered. They have only to walk through their homes and see everything he helped them with, a tangible representation of his love and devotion.
We honor the memory of this dear man who so lovingly gave his life to the Lord and walked daily with Him. Beginning each day with his Bible in hand, he spent time in the Word. Never one to push, he was willing to quietly talk with anyone who wanted to hear the Good News – and those numbers were legion. In his early years he was ordained to the ministry and officiated at several weddings and funerals for family and friends. Throughout his life, he was asked to preach at various church services. His messages echo with us still.
Funeral services to celebrate Jerry’s life will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Eastside Bible Church in Morton, with Pastor Steve Weber officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday at Eastside Bible Church. Interment will be in Mt. Hawley Cemetery in Peoria.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jerry’s memory to Eastside Bible Church in Morton.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria.
