Gerald A. "Jerry" Beeson, age 76, a resident of Winfield, IL, and formerly of Peoria, IL, died Thursday, December 4, 2014, at Ballard Rehabilitation Center in Des Plaines, IL. He was born on September 14, 1938 at Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL to Curtis P. and Lillian Augspurger Beeson, their second son. He married Patricia Santiago in Peoria, IL on January 9, 1975.

Jerry grew up in Peoria, IL where he attended Manual High School (MTHS). He graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 1973 and from Sangamon State University-Springfield with a Master of Science degree in Public Administration in 1975. He also earned an associate degree in Fire Science from Illinois Central College. He served in the United States Navy, Yeoman 3rd Class on USS Donner, based in Norfolk, VA from 1955 to 1958, and was honorably discharged in 1961.

Most of Jerry's working career was spent in the Fire Service, starting in 1965 when he joined the Peoria Fire Dept. as a firefighter and rose to the rank of Battallion Chief, Fire Prevention. In 1978 he began work as Fire Chief for the Englewood, Colorado Fire Dept. Then in 1986, he moved to Washington State where he served as Fire Chief for the Yakima, WA Fire Dept. Finally he returned to Illinois in 1994 to take the position of Fire Chief for the Oak Park. IL Fire Dept. and finished his career there, retiring in 2004. He had many special fond memories of all the fire department extended families that came into his life.

Jerry was an adventurous person who in his younger years, enjoyed skydiving, skiing, flying an airplane solo, any type of activity that would give him an adrenaline rush. He liked traveling, exploring the new states in which he was privileged to live and work. He especially loved the game of golf and hated the game of golf. He was an avid Chicago Cubs, Bears & Bulls fan. Liked to argue politics with his WSC morning group… and sometimes exercise as well. He was a voracious reader of non-fiction books.

After retirement, he spent the winter months in South Padre Island, Texas. He was elected to the Board of Directors for the TIKI Condominium Association in Texas. This job got him back in the game of organizing, getting groups to work together for the common good. He loved it, and he hated it. But most of all, the condo owners and staff there became his winter extended family…lots of laughs, margaritas, sunsets and life long friendships.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; sister-in-law, Beverly Beeson, Lemont; Favorite Nieces, Tammie Harmison, Toni Beeson, Lori Ricketts, Bloomington; Great-Nephews, Brandon (Tonya) Harmison, Bloomington; Anthony Young, Texas; cousins, Russ and Sandy Jones, East Peoria; Jackie Woerner, Dunlap. We all loved him and will miss him forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and older brother, Donald.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life Party will be held in Chicago. Interment will be at Resurrection Mausoleum; 7519 N. Allen Road, Peoria, IL. Dates to be announced later.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Illinois Fire Safety Alliance-Camp "I AM ME" , P.O. Box 911, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056; or to PAWS Chicago – Pets Are Worth Saving , 1997 North Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614.