Gerald L. "Jerry" Berry

Gerald L. "Jerry" Berry, age 87 of Cobden, died Monday, November 23, 2020 in the Illinois Veteran's Home in Anna. He was born March 21, 1933 in Ziegler, the son of Francis R. and Ruth B. (Graham) Berry. He married Loretta Lamer. She preceded him in death on November 17, 2002. Jerry 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, Jessica (Clint) Evans; two great-grandchildren, Harper and Claire Evans; sister, Judith (Mike) Anderson of Crown Point, IN; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father; mother and step father, Ruth B. and William E. "Bill" Waring; brother, Francis "Sonny" Berry and sister, Jackie Goodman. Jerry honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna. He worked as a mechanic and taught autobody repair for many years. Jerry owned and operated 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 will be at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, November 29, 2020 at the Cobden Cemetery. Interment will immediately follow. Graveside visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. and until the service at 11:00. Military rites will be conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard Funeral Honor Team of Marion. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to P.A.W.S. or the Illinois Veteran's Home in Anna Activity Fund. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery and the funeral home. Everyone attending will be required to wear face coverings and observe social distancing guidelines.