Jerry R. Blair, 78, of Peoria and formerly of Watseka passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria. He was born on October 29, 1946 in Grant Park, IL, a son of Chester and Amelia (Mueller) Blair. Jerry married Linda Jones in Watseka on May 1, 1965 and she preceded him in death on June 17, 2018.

 

Survivors include two daughters, Lori (Chad) Teverbaugh-Kunkle of Peoria and Debra (Dan) Hankey of Watseka; one son, Jerrod (Chrissy) Blair of Chatham; one brother, Marvin (Donna) Blair of Watseka; one sister, Jeanette Fate of Clifton; eight grandchildren, Skyler, Blair (Hayden), Dylan, Ian, Gavin, Collin, Syenna, and Sydnee; and two great grandchildren, Jude, Landon, and a third one due in April.

 

In addition to his wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Jerry Ray Jr., one brother, Eugene, and two sisters, Shirley and Mary Lou.

 

Jerry worked for Whitman’s Body Shop from 1962-1984 and Watseka Body Shop from 1987 until retiring in 2015. He was a man with the forearms of Popeye and the hands as strong as channel locks. Jerry could build everything out of nothing and he will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was the best father in the world and his photographic memory helped us work through many problems. He had the kindest heart and was so very giving, he would give his last penny to whoever needed it.

 

Visitation will be on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Friday at the funeral home with Joe Hughes officiating. Burial will be at G.A.R. Cemetery in Watseka.

 

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson Foundation.