Peoria Central High class 65' Reunion page

𝐎𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐇𝐒𝟔𝟓𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐥

Roxanne June Manuel, age 83, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, surrounded by her family at her home in Peoria, Illinois, after a courageous battle with leukemia.

She was born September 7, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois, to William R. Manuel and Mary Jane Manuel. She graduated from Peoria High School in 1960.

Roxanne was the loving mother of Anthony C. Cripe of Peoria, IL and Jennifer A. Mooney of St. Louis. MO. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Kassidy A. Mooney and Dylan K. Mooney. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent loving, teaching, and supporting them.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, sisters, Diane J. Manuel and 𝐏𝐇𝐒𝟔𝟓𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐥, and her brother, Mark G. Manuel. She was preceded in death by her parents, William R. Manuel and Mary Jane Manuel; her sister, Suzanne J. Manuel; and her brother, William R. Manuel II.

Roxanne spent much of her career in the airline industry, working as a Reservation Agent for Ozark Airlines in Peoria, Illinois; TWA in Los Angeles, California; and later retiring from American Airlines in St. Louis, Missouri. After retirement, she continued working at Oakville Middle School and Oakville High School in St. Louis, where she loved seeing and supporting students, including her grandchildren.

Roxanne will be remembered for her amazing strength, resilience, kindness, and deep love for her family. She lived simply, cared deeply, and gave steady support to those around her.

Roxanne June Manuel Obituary February 10, 2026 - Legacy.com View Roxanne June Manuel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

𝐏𝐇𝐒𝟔𝟓𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

• Mark Albright and Nancy, 2/26/1977…49 yrs.
• Fern (Wagner) Spencer and Markley Madden, 2/15/2014…12 yrs. Fern kept last name of her daughters.
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If anyone knows of others, please let me know.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐇𝐒𝟔𝟓𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲
Does not include deceased classmates.

2/1….Dale Matthews
2/1….Sharon (Pritchard) Hasler
2/3….Mary (Lister) Maubach
2/7….Joyce (McBride) Irwin
2/10…Gary Motteler
2/10…Deborah (Gillespie) Schraeder
2/12…Judy (Allen) Pruitt
2/14…Kathryn (Reams) McGraw
2/14…Danny Roach Sr.
2/15…Robert Usnik
2/16…Ann (Burnette) Cross
2/17…Barbara "Bobbi" (Rushford) Grimes
2/19…Carol (Wasson) Masters
2/19…Nancy (Busch) Wilson
2/20…Charles "Ted" Madden
2/21…Sherrie (Headley) Masters
2/21…Randall Kellenberger
2/22…Carolyn (Bittner) Campbell
2/23... Louis Herrin
2/25…Linda (Pottinger) Flowers
2/27…Roger Anderson
2/27…David Harris Sr.
2/??....Suzanne Newcomer
2/??....Marcy (Secretan) Wallace

𝐎𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐏𝐇𝐒𝟔𝟓𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 “𝐁𝐨𝐛” 𝐆𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲

Robert “Bob” Gulley, 78, of Standard, IL passed away peacefully on October, 26, 2025, at his home. Bob was born in Peoria, IL, on May 4, 1947, the second oldest of four siblings. He is survived by his brothers, James Gulley (later died on January 12, 2026) and David Gulley; and his sister, Jan Gulley (Jeff) Gerdin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Betty Gulley; and an aunt, Ruth Jass.

Growing up in Peoria, Bob played center for the basketball team at Peoria High School from 1963 to 1965.

Bob proudly served his country as a United States Army Special Forces and Special Forces Radio Operator soldier during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1970. During his service, he earned several medals, awards and commendations.

Upon returning home in 1970, Bob earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Western Illinois University in Macomb. He later apprenticed in Chicago for two years with esteemed sculptor and civil rights ambassador Richard Hunt. Following his apprenticeship, Bob moved to Buffalo, New York, where he completed a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture at the University at Buffalo.

While working in construction in Manhattan, Bob always made time for his art. His sculpture was deeply influenced by his experiences in Vietnam and his mentorship with Hunt. His works have been featured in The New York Times and other publications. In 2014, Bob's sculpture "Prairie Fire" earned first place among 5,500 artists in the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition.

After more than four decades in New York, Bob retired and returned to Illinois. He loved working with clay, listening to NPR, and spending time in nature near Starved Rock State Park.

A private memorial service with military honors will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America or a local veterans’ charity of your choice. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/peoria-il/robert-gulley-12589923
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Thanks to PHS65er Ann (Burnette) Cross for informing me.

𝗣𝗛𝗦65𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗹𝗽𝗵 𝗕𝗼𝗶𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 2𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 “𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗠𝘆 𝗘𝘆𝗲𝘀”

About six months after publishing my book I re-read it. I realized it left out a lot and it was nowhere near complete. A partial story didn't sit well with me, and I felt compelled to add more of my experiences. This second edition has eight more chapters and 30 more photographs. No book can tell it all, but this comes closer.

𝐎𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐏𝐇𝐒𝟔𝟓𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐓𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫

Herschel "Tom" Thomas Tucker, 79, of East Peoria passed away peacefully December 19, 2025 at his residence. He was born June 23, 1946, in Los Angeles, CA to Herschel E. Tucker and Marjorie (Lehman) Tucker who preceded him in death. Also preceding him were two sisters, Mary Kay Dalrymple, Teresa Holford, and one brother, David Tucker.

He is survived by his partner Margaret; two children, Aimee Tucker, and Herschel "Tom" Tucker II; seven siblings, John Tucker (Kathy) of Goodfield, IL, Kathy Elliot (Dwight) of Mossville, IL, Donna Mason (Greg) of Texas, Jack Tucker (Debra) of Long Beach, MS, Kimberly Douglas, Karen McGuire of Mississippi, and Kelly Lucas of Missouri; six grandchildren, Haely Rhoades, Ava Covington, Easton Tucker, Evan Bailey (Ashli), Maggie Deckard, Mark Deckard; eight great grandchildren, twenty nieces and nephews, along with friends that he considered his family.

He graduated from Peoria High School where he played basketball (intramural). Soon after high school he served in the US Army.

Tom enjoyed automobile collecting, was the President of the Central Illinois Nova Club, and was an integral member of the Princeville Historical Society tasked with rejuvenating the original Princeville one-room schoolhouse (Akron Township School, opened 1900). Having a soft spot for animals, he never hesitated to take in a stray animal. He also loved the beach, and a good/competitive card game.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. https://www.illinicremation.com/obituaries/herschel-tucker
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Thanks to PHS65er Mickey Smith for providing the obituary.

Herschel Thomas Tucker Obituary December 19, 2025 - Illini Cremation View Herschel Thomas Tucker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

𝐎𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐏𝐇𝐒𝟔𝟓𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫

Herschel Thomas “Tom” Tucker was born on June 23, 1946 and passed away in December 2025 after a long illness with Parkinson's Disease. He lived in East Peoria and is survived by his wife Marge. He died prior to Christmas, but I am unaware of the actual date nor whether there will be an obituary.

Tom transferred to Peoria High School from Dunlap High School for his sophomore year. He was in our graduating class, but is not pictured in our senior year Crest yearbook. I know he did participate in intramural basketball.

Several classmates talked to Tom at our recent 60th class reunion in October 2025. Tom is in the middle of the front row of the 60th reunion group photo.

The following is from PHS65er Carol (Nelson) Smiley

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬

Dear fellow classmates,
Last week I sent out the updated, revised edition of the booklet tracing the military history of our classmates. I went back to the individuals and asked them what they did after the military. It was an interesting journey learning what everyone did in their life. It went to everyone in the booklet that had a valid email and to a few from the reunion who took the original booklet. If anyone else is interested in a copy, I will gladly email you one. I have had 2 updates and corrections on this booklet which will go out as a separate email. I am still waiting to hear if anyone else in the booklet has new or corrected information before I send those out, probably after January 1st, 2026. You can contact me at 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒚𝒄1947@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝒎. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Sincerely,
Carol (Nelson) Smiley

𝐎𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐇𝐒𝟔𝟓𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫

Gary Dean Coulter, aged 75, passed away on December 7, 2025. He was born on July 23, 1950, in Peoria, Illinois, to Elmer and Dorothy (Zerwekh) Coulter.

He married Dianne on December 23, 1978, who preceded him in death on August 23, 2016. He was also preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his three daughters: Tara (Edward) Valentino of Edwards, IL, Melissa (Skyler) Vanderheiden of Peoria, IL, and Meghan (Matt) Johnson of Moline, IL. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Luca, Leia, Tanner, Gracie, Zakkary, and Bentley. Gary is also survived by his brothers, Roger (Susan) Coulter and 𝐏𝐇𝐒𝟔𝟓𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 (𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲) 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Gary worked for Peoria Disposal for 50 years and was an active member of Grace Presbyterian Church. He had a passion for oldies music and enjoyed watching baseball. Gary was a teamster and loved spending his Saturdays at Barnes and Noble, followed by dining out with his family, a pastime he greatly enjoyed.

Obnituary,

Gary Coulter Obituary - Peoria, IL Celebrate the life of Gary Coulter, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐇𝐒𝟔𝟓𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

Does not include deceased classmates

12/1 --- Mike Knox
12/3 --- Sharon (Heathman) Schoolman
12/3 --- Linda (Wineland) Bruesch
12/6 --- Tom Burdett
12/7 --- Beverly (Jones) Wilkerson
12/8 --- Leon Decker
12/12 -- Phil McAlear
12/13 -- Nancy (Black) Kirman
12/13 -- John Bennett
12/14 -- Michael "Mickey" Smith
12/15 -- Marilyn (Anderson) Villarreal
12/16 -- Janet Saeger
12/17 -- Alice (Culver) Hatton
12/17 -- Georgia Culver
12/17 -- Wilfried "Will" Stettner
12/21 -- Lynne (Haberkorn) Lisenby
12/23 -- Jane (McDonald) Edwards-Gamboe
12/24 -- Patricia (Hill) Ball
12/24 -- Judy (Ingles) Huber
12/24 -- Linda (Trail) Maricle
12/29 -- Kay Harris
12/?? -- Ruth (Butler) Brooks
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John Ingles birthday was December 24. Sadly, he passed away on October 14, 2024.

𝐏𝐇𝐒𝟔𝟓𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

• Linda (Fauss) Brandt and Bruce, 12/14/1968…57yrs.
• Linda (Broms) Antokal and Gil, 12/??/1969…56 yrs. (possibly 12/11)
• Marilyn (Lee) Mancini and Ernie, 12/27/1969…56 yrs.
• Carol (Nelson) Smiley and Gene, 12/18/1971…54 yrs.
• Susan (Swanson) Sommars and Mark, 12/29/1974…51 yrs.
• Jimmy Butler and Jeanette, 12/2/1988…37 yrs.
• Mary Kay (Russell) Lockridge and Steve, 12/29/1995…30 yrs.

𝐎𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐏𝐇𝐒𝟔𝟓𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 “𝐁𝐨𝐛” 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐬

Robert Warren Brandes, Jr., age 78, passed away December 2, 2025, following an unexpected illness. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born in Minnesota in 1947 and raised in Peoria, Illinois. He graduated from Wabash College in Indiana and the University of Colorado Law School. Bob served his country in between, spending three years in the United States Army, including a tour in Vietnam as an Artillery Officer.

Bob was known for his quick wit, his love of travel, and the joy he took in living a full and meaningful life. He and his wife Jana were committed to exploring the country and various parts of the world. Hilton Head, South Carolina became a favorite destination, where they hosted friends and family for many years, scouting out the best sunset decks and gas station fried chicken. Over the course of the past 30 years, Bob would gather his diverse group of friends for an annual weekend of golf, heckling and fraternity at notable locations around Colorado. "Ironmen" ride on.

Bob was exceedingly proud of his children and the families they are raising. His grandchildren brought him particular joy, hearing from them about their many activities and interests. He instilled in his family the principles he lived his life by: service, hard work, compassion. He introduced them to the natural wonders of Colorado, especially Rocky Mountain National Park, where he first traveled as a young boy. Longs Peak stands as an eternal tribute to his life and legacy.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Jana Brandes; his children, Ben Brandes (Meredith Asay) and Ellen Stuart (Mike Stuart); his five wonderful grandchildren; and his five loving sisters and their families, all of whom brought immeasurable joy to his life.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on January 2, 2026, at the Fort Collins Marriott, beginning at 2 P.M. A Tribute to Bob may be accessed at goesfuneralcare.com.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐛’𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤, 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 https://www.coloradoan.com/obituaries/pcol1355180

Robert "Bob" Brandes Obituary - The Fort Collins Coloradoan Robert Warren Brandes, Jr., age 78, passed away December 2, 2025, following an unexpected illness. He died peacefully, surrounded by his...