Jerry Palmer

Jerry Leroy Palmer, 83, of Forreston, Illinois, died Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at his home with his loving family surrounding him. Jerry was born on May 16, 1940 in Beardstown, Illinois. Son of Sherman and Beulah Palmer of Astoria, IL. The seventh of eight children.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1957 and served for four years stationed out of Norfolk, VA. While in the Navy, he met a sister of a navy buddy and eventually became the husband of Elizabeth Kerr of Cumberland, MD on August 6, 1960. After being honorably discharged from the Navy in May of 1961, they made their home in Cumberland, MD. He started work at the Kelly Springfield Tire Company in September 1961. In 1964 they moved to Illinois after the Kelly Springfield Tire Company opened a plant in Freeport, IL the previous year. He worked there until June 2000, working at various positions over his tenure of 40 years.

Jerry was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Forreston. He served on the board of trustees and was also custodian until 2023. He was a devoted husband and father attending his children and grandchildren’s extra-curricular events; sometimes traveling many miles as to not miss these activities.

Jerry was also an active member of Forreston LIONS Club holding various offices. Over the years he helped clear the land and build the Memorial Park in Forreston; participated in numerous fund raisers; and rarely missed a meeting. He was the longest tenured member of 57 years.

His favorite pastime was riding motorcycles, then trikes, and finally a Thoroughbred Stallion cycle. He taught his children to ride and enjoy cycling as well; In addition he enjoyed playing board and card games with the grandchildren; sitting with friends and family around the fire ring; hunting for Morrel Mushrooms, watching football and other sporting events on TV, listening to local games on the radio and will forever be a Chicago Bears and Forreston Cardinal Fan.

Jerry was married to and is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of 63 years; daughter Elizabeth Susan (Dwayne) Camarigg of Sanborn, IA; and their children Teague, (April) Camarigg and children Quinn, Riley, Liam and Greyson of Brandon, SD; Elicia Camarigg of Sioux City, IA; and Ethan (Alexis) Camarigg and children Bayne, Winston, and Kaia of Boyden, IA; daughter Janese Doreen (Mark) Michael of Forreston, IL; and their children Kody and his son Dawson of Forreston, IL; and Kaleb of Glenwood Springs, CO; and son James Sherman (Tammy) Palmer of Stockton, IL; and their children Hannah (fiancé Chris Burns) of Eau Claire, WI; Heather (Kevin) Smith and their children Andrew and Audra of Stockton, IL. Sister Eva Trone of Rushville, IL; brother Larry of Beardstown, IL; and lots of nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard, Herbert, and Allen; sisters Dora Fox, Glenna and brother-in-law Cliff Parry.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 30, 2023 at First United Methodist Church in Forreston, IL with Pastors Edward Eddy and Lyle Zumdahl officiating. Visitation will be 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 29, 2023 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, Forreston, IL. Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Garden, Freeport, IL following the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be given to Serenity Hospice and Home, Oregon, IL and First United Methodist Church of Forreston, IL.