Pekin ~ Robert "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.
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