Jerry Scott Haven

Jerry S. Haven, 88, of Washington, IL, formerly of Metamora, IL, passed away at 9:31 am on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Carle Health-Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL.

He was born on June 10, 1937, in Peoria, IL, to Herman F. and Alice L. (Scott) Haven. He met his wife-to-be in early 1960 and married her, Rebecca “Becky” Weppler, on November 11, 1960 in Peoria, IL on Veteran’s Day after changing the original wedding day from November 24 because Dwight D. Eisenhower had him in the army on the original date.

Surviving are his wife, Becky of Washington; sons, Ron (Angela) Haven of East Peoria, IL, Mike (Karen) Haven of Brownsburg, IN, and Chris Haven of East Peoria, IL; grandchildren, Sydney Haven, Callie (Zachary) Cook, Arin (Carah) Haven, Riley (Sarah) Haven, and Zach Haven; and great-grandchildren, Jayda Haven, Elijah Haven, Amia Haven, Emmy Haven, and Zoey Haven. He was preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents Charles and Clara Scott, and paternal grandparents Frank and Mary Haven.

Jerry was a U.S. Army Veteran. He spent a little over two years on active duty reaching the rank of Staff Sgt and the rest of his active service time involved being on high alert for the Cuban Missile Crisis. He also spent four years in the Army Reserves. He was a member of the American Legion.

He worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company for 38 years working almost all that time in a variety of salaried and management positions in human resources areas and research department working with all domestic facilities.

Jerry spent ten years as a Jr. Achievement Advisor and several years with Cub Scouts and Boys Scouts with his three sons where he was involved with them reaching Life Scout and Eagle Scout.

He loved his classic cars, was an Early Ford V-8 Club of America member and chairman of yearly car shows for nearly 40 years supporting Children’s Hospital of Illinois, and participated in many Freedom Road Rallys throughout the U.S. He also volunteered with the Wheels O’ Time Museum and worked on restoration projects. He spent several years with the Richwoods High School Little League and Pony League baseball programs. He enjoyed attending baseball games and scouting camp outs and loved family vacations traveling to several places in the United States and his precious cats.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, January 12, 2026 at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with Pastor Gary Salm officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until service time also at the funeral home. Burial of Ashes will be held in Hickory Point Cemetery with military rites accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight, P.O. Box 5072, Peoria, IL 61601-5072. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

DONATIONS:

Greater Peoria Honor Flight, P.O. Box 5072, Peoria, IL 61601-5072