Gerald Lee Tongate, 82, of Jacksonville, IL, died Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Jacksonville Skilled Nursing Home.

He was born June 24, 1941, in Carlinville, the son of Dewayne O. Tongate and Lucille Wright.

Gerald is survived by his son, David Tongate of Concord; daughters, Lora Margeson of Doyle, TN; Annette Durbin of Springfield, Janie Dejaynes of Winchester, Mary Potter of Meredosia, and Sally Williams of Jacksonville; sisters, Mary Perze of Benson, AZ, and Janie Fitzgerald of Phoenix, AZ; and brothers, Darrell Tongate of St. Cloud, FL, and Calven Tongate of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his son, Johnny Tongate; sister, Sally Rossella; parents; and stepmom, Maxine Tongate.

Gerald lived a simple life. He was an animal lover and loved spending time with his dog, Rocky.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A burial at Hettick Cemetery in Hettick, IL, will take place at a later date. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.