Jerry Adkisson

Jerry Adkisson, 86, of Tuscola passed away Friday, January 21, 2022, at the Arthur Home with his wife and children at his side.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL with Father Angel Sierra officiating. Burial will follow in the Tuscola Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.

He was born on October 21, 1935, to Homer and Vera Goodwin Adkisson in Bellair, IL He was employed at USI where he worked as an ironworker, and later a crane operator. He also operated a water conditioning service, delivering salt and repairing water softeners throughout the area.

When he wasn’t working, he could be found at the Tuscola Airport where he acted as airport manager for many years. He was instrumental in keeping the airport operational; ensuring that the runway was serviceable, the grounds were mowed, and buildings were kept in good condition. He owned several small planes and won many awards with his polished Luscombe 8-F at fly-ins he and his wife Delores attended.

Jerry got his passion for flying from his brother, Earl “Skeezix” Adkisson. Skeezix ran an airplane mechanic shop at the Tuscola Airport, where he and Jerry built an experimental aircraft dubbed “The Headskinner”. It won an award for outstanding workmanship at the EAA fly-in, then held in Milwaukee, WI.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Delores Adkisson, his three children, David (Carrie) Adkisson, Ellen (Paul) Patzer, and Debbie (Frank) Angelotti, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Memorials can be made to the Antique Airfield Association in Blakesburg, Iowa.

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com