Jon Rogers

Jon S. Rogers, 57, of Peoria, passed away at his home on July 26, 2024. Jon was born on December 4, 1966, to Louis and Judith Rogers in Galesburg, Illinois. Jon was preceded in death by his loving mother, Judith A. Rogers. He is survived by his father, Louis F. Rogers of Yates City and his sister, Catherine (Mark) Bovard of Mattoon, Illinois and his faithful dog, Pepper. He is also survived by four very special cousins and Aunt, Fran Sandfort of Asheville, NC. Jon leaves behind a large community of friends, as he never met a stranger and lived life to its fullest.

After graduating from Yates City High School in 1985, he attended Illinois State University where he was active in his fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma, and graduated with a degree in Political Science in 1990. At ISU, Jon was active in ROTC and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Army upon graduation. He was a Platoon Leader/Project manager at the United States Army Reserve 724th Transportation Company from 1989 to 1997. Jon proudly served in Operation Desert Storm and was a patriot through and through. He loved history and could recount details of any Civil War or World War 2 battle.

Jon was a National Account Sales Executive at G&D Integrated in Morton, Illinois since 2016. Prior to G&D, he was a Sales Executive at Federal Companies in Peoria. He also had several part time jobs over the years which allowed him to share his gregarious personality with many. He was an active Uber driver and former bartender at the Tartan Inn and Dormitory in Peoria. He had a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit. Heaven gained the funniest angel.

Jon was a Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Cardinals fan who enjoyed attending and watching games with friends. He enjoyed playing guitar and singing karaoke with “Roadhouse Blues” by the Doors being his go-to song. Jon loved boating with his friends on his boat “The Dazed and Confused”. He was the life of the party. His river community was strong and plentiful. Jon also stayed in close touch with his high school friends and loved to hang out with the Straight out of Yates Crew! Other hobbies of Jon’s were gardening, listening to music, cooking, reading, watching movies, and most of all spending time with family and friends. He loved poetry with one of his favorite poems being “Richard Cory” by Edward Arlington Robinson. He was able to quote it line for line. He also loved TS Elliot and British war poets. He was opinionated and well-schooled in many topics and loved to debate with others. Jon was a Christian and grew up in the Faith United Presbyterian Church in Yates City. He was an eloquent man and excellent conversationalist.

Jon had many friends whom he loved and were family to him. To quote one of Jon’s favorite movies, “It’s a Wonderful Life”: “Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he”. Jon leaves a hole in many lives but will live on with memories of his antics. You could always count on him for a good story and experience. To quote a friend of Jon’s who said it best: “Live like Jon – know no stranger, show kindness, be there, and be present!”

Memorials may be made to the ARK Humane Society in Lacon, IL or the Salem Township Library.

Funeral will be at 1pm Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the Faith United Presbyterian Church in Yates City. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10am-1pm. Burial will be in Yates City, Illinois. Immediately following the funeral, a celebration of life will be held at the Yates City Community Center.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com