Gerald L. ‘Jerry’ Berry

Gerald L. “Jerry” Berry, 87, of Cobden, died Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna.

He was born on March 21, 1933, in Zeigler, the son of Francis R. and Ruth B. Graham Berry. 

He married Loretta Lamer. She preceded him in death on Nov. 17, 2002. 

Mr. Berry is survived by his three daughters, Leslie Berry of Chicago, Jerilyn (Larry) Miller of Hillsboro and Jo (Shawn) Cox of Salem; two grandchildren, Jason Lee Miller and Jessica (Clint) Evans; two great-grandchildren, Harper and Claire Evans; a sister, Judith (Mike) Anderson of Crown Point, Ind.; other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father; his mother and stepfather, Ruth B. and William E. “Bill” Waring; a brother, Francis “Sonny” Berry; and a sister, Jackie Goodman.

Mr. Berry served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the VFW’s Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 in Anna. 

He worked as a mechanic and taught auto body repair for many years. He owned and operated the JB Body Shop in Cobden for over 40 years. 

He worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation at the Anna yard for many years as a heavy equipment mechanic until his retirement in 2008.

Graveside funeral services were at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at the Cobden Cemetery. Interment immediately followed.

Military rites were conducted by the VFW’s Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 in Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard funeral honor team of Marion. 

Memorials can be made to PAWS or to the activity fund at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna.

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden was in charge of arrangements.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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