Gerald "Jerry" Mathias Obituary (1939 - 2011)

Gerald "Jerry" Mathias, 72, of Herrick formerly of Tower Hill, died Wednesday, November 2, 2011 in his residence. He was born February 19, 1939 in Dearborn, MI, the son of Edwin Fredrick Elizabeth (Frolic) Mathias. Jerry was a graduate of Tower Hill High School and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Born in Michigan, he then lived in the Tower Hill area, and later moving to Herrick. Jerry was the past owner of Mathias Sanitation in Tower Hill. He was a member of the Herrick Baptist Church; Pana Masonic Lodge AFAM #226; Road Riders for Jesus; Tower Hill Fire Department for 30 years and was Chief for 10 of those years Jerry was committed to the community; serving on the Tower Hill School Board, Tower Hill Village Board, and the Fall Festival Committee. Jerry married Shirley Diane Heyre, and she preceded him in death. He then married Lola Dowdy on November 19, 1977 in Tower Hill. She preceded him on August 7, 2000. Jerry married Yvonne Wilson on June 19, 2004 at the Herrick Community Center. He is survived by his wife: Yvonne Mathias, Herrick, IL; sons: Scott Mathias, Tower Hill, IL; Jerry Mathias, Jr., Pana, IL; Chris Mathias, Taylorville, IL; daughter: Robyn Mathias, Louisville, KY; step son: Marty Beck wife Ellie, Salt Lake City, UT; 4 grandchildren: Nicole, Ryan, Amanda, Casey; 6 great grandchildren; sister brother: Marguerite Belval, Naperville, IL Edwin Mathias, Fisher, IL; several nieces nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives; step son, Brook Beck; sister, Rachael McElwee. Funeral Information Funeral services will be Monday, November 7, 2011 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Jay Huddleston Pastor Bob Barr officiating. Burial will be Anderson Cemetery, Palmer, IL with graveside military rites. Friends may call on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home.