Raymond Leo Gardner

Born August 2, 1945 in Terre Haute, Indiana, he was the son of Francis Leo and Martha Pauline (Gilbert) Gardner. His parents preceded him in death. He also was preceded in death by two brothers, Bud Gardner and Paul Gardner and two sisters, Maxine Gschwend and Dottie Presnell.

Surviving are two brothers, Donald (Mary) Gardner and Jerry Gardner, both of Terre Haute, Indiana and five sisters, Mary Bunch, Connie (Tug) Brock, both of Terre Haute, Denise (Ron) McFadden of Indianapolis, Indiana, Debbie Justice of Washington, D.C. and Linda (John) Ricks of Pekin. He also leaves several nieces and nephews and family who loved him.

Raymond worked and retired from TCRC, Inc. in Tremont and from Mahoney’s Recycling. He enjoyed watching westerns and playing outside with all the neighborhood kids and coloring, doing puzzles. Raymond never met a person he didn’t like. He especially loved spending time with his best friend, Jace “Chase”.

His funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Monday, December 27, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Tom Pisano will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following the service.

His caregivers Danielle, Tom, Chase and Trevor say it was truly an honor to care for him the last 18 years.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 4234 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614 or to Alzheimer’s Association, 614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com