Jerry Parker

Gerald Francis "Jerry" Parker, age 62, of Savanna, Illinois, died Thursday, May 6, 2010 at home surrounded by his family. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 10, 2010 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna with Father Dennis Atto as Celebrant. Burial will take place in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Savanna. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 9, 2010 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. A memorial fund has been established in his memory.

Jerry was born October 2, 1947, the son of Edward and Helen (Corbett) Parker in Savanna. Jerry attended St. John Catholic grade school and Savanna public schools. On June 4, 1967, Jerry married Cheryl Paddock in Sabula, Iowa. They have celebrated forty-three years of marriage.

Jerry worked for Wood Products for twenty-two years, Erickson Paving for three years and Elkay Manufacturing for eighteen years all in Savanna. He retired due to illness in 2008. Jerry enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially spending time with his son teaching him about the outdoors, but most importantly the value of being a "good and decent man". Jerry loved taking Cheryl for long rides on his Harley motorcycle. . He cherished the time spent with family and friends; all would say he was a wonderful husband, father and friend, known for his loyalty.

Jerry was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna; Ducks Unlimited, the NRA and a past Mississippi Flyway Club member.

Jerry will be dearly missed by his wife, Cheryl of Savanna; son, Scott and daughter-in-law Lynn Parker of Savanna; one sister, Cecelia Gilbert of Savanna; several nieces and nephews; his grand-dog, Josie and his grand-cats, Gizzer and Tazzer. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Edward "Corky" Parker and a brother in-law, Pat Gilbert.