Mr. Jerome Costic

Mr. Jerome “Jerry” Costic, 77, of Peoria, IL, passed away at 9:10 pm on Monday, June 16, 2025, peacefully surrounded by his cherished family. Jerry was born on April 9, 1948, in Peoria, he was the beloved son of Henry L. and Mary Jane Welch. On October 29, 1977, Jerome married Mary Lynne Proctor, the love of his life. Together, they created a beautiful blended family that includes five sons and one daughter. Jerome’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his wife, Lynne, and their children, Jeff Booker, Michael (Laura) Costic Sr., Aric (Tammy) Costic, Jerome “JJ” Costic, Kendrick Davies, Carlita Faulk, and Garlan Duncan of Peoria, IL, who was as dear to him as a biological son. His love for his family was unwavering and profound, a testament to the depth of his relationships. Jerome was a graduate of Manual High School. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1968 where he was stationed in Hawaii. He received an honorable discharge in 1970. He retired from Bemis Company, however a man who always like to be busy, he went back to work for Peoria Public School as a Crossing Guard. He loved this position and worked until his health declined in 2024. Jerome was a member of Higher Dimension Praise and Worship Church under the leadership of Pastor Harreld Webster, Jr. where is served as a trustee. Jerry loved working with his hands, from detailing cars to refinishing furniture. His favorite past-time was watching the “Jerry Springer” show and going to Walmart. He was fondly referred to as “Uncle Walmart” by his nieces and nephews. Above all, Jerry was a die-hard Chicago Bears fan, the only thing he loved more than his family, and Da Bears was Crown Royal. On any TV football gameday you would find him at Michael or Aric’s house-talking trash and drinking Crown Royal with his daughter-in-law, Laura. Jerry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Lynne Costic; four sons, Jeff Booker of Long Beach, CA, Michael (Laura) Costic Sr. of Peoria, IL, Aric (Tammy) Costic of Texas, Kendrick Davies of Peoria, IL; one daughter, Carlita Faulk of Sacramento, CA; special son, Garlan Duncan of Peoria, IL; three siblings, Jackie McKinley, JoAnn Coats, and Michael Welch, as well as his sisters-in-law, Irma Costic and Barbara Welch all of Peoria, IL; his two best friends, Johnny Horton and Louis “Buddy” Bond both of Peoria, IL; his foster sisters, Vachon Denise (Fred) Davison of Peoria, IL and Sandy Houston of Denver, CO; 25 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, and nephews, other family and friends. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; one son Jerome C. Costic; infant daughter, Betty J Costic; three brothers, George Welch, Robert Costic, and Henry “Sonny” Welch, Jr.; maternal grandparents, Annie McDonald; paternal grandparents, Odie and LaGrande Welch; Jerome Costic’s life was a testament to love and family, and his memory will forever inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him. A Celebration of life service will be held at 11 am on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Prince of Peace M.B. Church with a visitation beginning at 10 am. The Host Pastor is Rev. Simon J. Holly, Jr. Rev. Harreld Webster, Jr., Pastor of Higher Dimensions Praise & Worship Church, will officiate. Jerome will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery with full U.S. Army Military Honors. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Mr. Jerome Costic

April 9, 1948 - June 16, 2025