Gerald A. Gwaltney

  Gerald A. “Gerry” Gwaltney,74, of Streator passed away Thursday, January 12, 2023 at his residence in Streator.

  Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 15^th at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator. 

  Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 15^th at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator. 

  Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

  Born July 12, 1948 in Streator he was the son of Zeanus Gwaltney and Betty Harrison.   He married Carol J. Flavel on April 8, 1967 at St. Stephen’s Church in Streator.

  He is survived by his wife, Carol Gwaltney of Streator; daughters, Missy (Brian) Hines of Janesville, Wisconsin and Tricia (Patrick) Dooley of Oglesby; a son, Eric (Talitha) Gwaltney of Streator; grandchildren, Adam Hines, T.J. Vagasky, Emily (Alex) Hipp, Tessa Vagasky, Cailey Gwaltney and Ava Gwaltney; and a brother, Garry Gwaltney of Atlanta, Georgia.

  He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty and stepfather, John Lindsay; his father, Zeanus and his wife Joella; a son, Scott Michael in infancy; and sisters, Vicky Tyler and Jackie Lindsay.

  Born and raised in Streator he attended St. Anthony Grade School and graduated from Streator High School in the class of 1966.  After High School he served from 1967 until 1971 in the United States Army.  While in the Army he read Morse code.  He later attended Illinois Valley Community College and earned his Associates Degree in Liberal Arts.

  He worked for over 35 years in Maintenance for G.E. Plastics in Ottawa.  He retired in 2008.

  He also operated a Taxidermy business for over 50 years.  He earned many awards for his Taxidermy work and belonged to the National Taxidermy Association and the Illinois Taxidermy Association. 

  Gerry enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a talented Archer.  He was an amazing painter and could paint from the memories he had of different trips and adventures.  He also enjoyed writing poetry.

  Through the years he also coached his son in basketball and soccer.  They also spent many hours together hunting and fishing.  He will be sadly missed by his loving family.

  Memories may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com

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