Jesse L. "Jess" Hackett, 86, of East Peoria, passed away at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Jess was born on November 21, 1939, in Canton, IL, the son of the late John and Ann (Byers) Hackett. Jess married Alta Smith in Havana, Illinois, on August 29, 1964. Jess and Alta relocated to East Peoria when he started working at Caterpillar in 1965; Jess worked at CAT for 36 years, retiring in 2001. Over the years, Jess was an excellent provider and worked hard to ensure his family had all they needed. After retirement, Jess loved to sit on his front porch, watch the traffic on Springfield Road, and wave at friends who honked as they passed by.

Jess was an active member of the Springfield Road Baptist Church, now known as Revive Church, where he served as trustee. Jess was also very involved with the East Peoria Jaycees and one of his favorite parts was helping with the Jaycees Haunted

House. Most of all, Jess loved and cherished his family; he loved taking the family on great trips to Disney World and also Branson. He always loved Christmas and especially loved buying presents for his family.

Jess is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Alta Hackett of East Peoria, his children, Dawn (Jim Enlow) Hindert of Springfield, IL, Dana Hackett of East Peoria, Damon Hackett of East Peoria, 2 grandchildren, Kelsey Hindert of Springfield, IL, and Victoria

(Mason) Graves of Deer Creek, IL, a great-grandson, Camden Graves, as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents, Jess was preceded in death by his sister, Susan Henderson.

The family will receive guests at Revive Church, 3212 Springfield Road. East Peoria, IL, 61611, on Monday, October 5, from 11:00 am until the 12:30 pm funeral service celebrated by Rev. Robert Finley. Burial will follow the service at Oak Grove Cemetery

in East Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jess's name may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, please see the link below to leave a gift in Jess's memory.

Please visit Jess's online obituary at www.deitersfuneralhome.com