Jerry O. Taylor, 78, of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. He was born on May 17, 1945, in Cadiz, KY, to Jagoe and Ruby (McBride) Taylor.

Surviving are his wife, Anna “Ann” of Germantown Hills; son, Greg (Katie) Taylor of El Paso, IL; step- children, Keith St. Clair of Grand Rapids, MI, Lisa Cusac of Metamora, IL, Gina (Dan) Cusac of Godfrey, IL, and Kara (Paul) Cunningham of Morton, IL; grandchildren, Gavin Taylor, Tara (Joe) Cruz, Ben Cusac, Alexa Cusac, Kyle Cusac, Ava Cusac, Keegan Ruppe, and Sydney Davis; great-grandchildren, Liam Cruz, Grace Cruz, and Cal Cruz; siblings, Billy (Mary) Taylor of Cadiz, KY, Peggy (Bobby) Bragg of Nashville, TN, and Ron (Rosemary) Taylor of Wonder Lake, IL; and two nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Donnie Taylor, and nephew, Mike Taylor.

Jerry graduated from Trigg County High School in 1963. He came to Peoria after high school, working for Caterpillar Tractor Company as a millwright for 30 years. After retiring, he worked part-time for Morton Auction and Keystone Automotive, where he enjoyed making new acquaintances with retirees.

Jerry and Ann spent many years going to Nascar races in different states. They never missed a Daytona 500 from 2002 to 2013. They wintered in The Villages, FL, for the last thirteen years, where Jerry enjoyed golfing with his buddies and driving in his golf cart to the squares for entertainment.

Jerry was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and Chicago Bears fan. In Peoria he enjoyed the Peoria Rivermen hockey, Bradley basketball, and Peoria Chiefs baseball. He was a deer hunter and always looked forward to hosting his annual “deer camp” in November. He also enjoyed crappie fishing in April with his son Greg and his brothers and nephews.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 IL-91, Peoria, IL 61615 or to St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church, 424 Lourdes Church Road, Metamora, IL 61548. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.