By Doug Spencer
Posted: Updated:
6 Comments
  • Visitation

    4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

    Friday November 11, 2022

    West Salem Zion Church, West Salem, IL.

  • Service

    10:00 a.m.

    Saturday November 12, 2022

    West Salem Zion Church, West Salem, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    Jerry Lee Mewes, 81, nearly lifelong resident of Bone Gap, IL graduated from this life to his eternal reward on Tuesday, Nov 8th, 2022, surrounded by those he loved in the home he loved so much.

    Jerry was the third son born on February 14th, 1941, in Bone Gap to Fred Mewes and Geneva (Koertge) Mewes. His oldest brother Kenneth, older brother Joe and little sister Nancy were all raised and educated in Edwards County.  Jerry’s short time away from Bone Gap was a 4-year 4-month stint of service in the United States Navy. When he was stationed at Lemoore Naval Air Station he met and married the love of his life and lifelong partner Marilyn Wells on August 7th, 1964. While in the Navy he served as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate but returned home in the summer of 1966 to the farm where he and Marilyn would live until his death. Jerry was active in several community churches and ministries throughout the years. His Faith and Family brought him his greatest assurance and greatest joys. He was happiest when Faith, Family and fun intersected with a spirited game of Rook or attending church together as a family. His biggest nemesis in games was his sister Nancy and watching their croquet rivalry was a sight to behold.

    Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn, daughters; Shelly (Chad) McNair, Brandi (Bruce) Bunting, grandchildren; (and greatest joy) Cassidy (Mitchell) Whitton, Chadlee McNair, Grace (Chase) Luger, Madison (Kathryn) McNair, Spencer Bunting, and Jessica (Beau Knackmus) Melloy.  Much to his disappointment there are no great grandchildren yet.

    He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, siblings, and infant daughter Diana.

    Visitation: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday November 11, 2022, West Salem Zion Church, West Salem, IL.

    Funeral: 10:00 a.m. Saturday November 12, 2022, West Salem Zion Church, West Salem, IL.

    In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Bone Gap Christian Church Youth Fund.

    Interment: Zion Methodist Cemetery, West Salem, IL.

    Ingram Meridith Funeral Home, West Salem, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

6 Condolences
 
  1. Danny Lankford / November 9, 2022 at 4:59 pm

    Deepest condolences to Marilyn, Shelli and Brandi and all the Grandchildren and other family and friends. A pillar of his community and church, he will be missed

  2. Roberta Wells / November 9, 2022 at 6:54 pm

    Jerry was a joy to be around. The world’s loss but heaven’s gain. Rest well my brother.

  3. Gary Hall / November 9, 2022 at 6:58 pm

    Jerry was a great guy! A good friend & counselor to this old preacher especially when I sat in his barber chair. Praying for peace & comfort for all the family.

  4. Chris Mewes / November 9, 2022 at 11:23 pm

    Always lead with the Rook

  5. Lori Wiley / November 11, 2022 at 8:29 pm

    I will miss his stories at the family gatherings. Not a one was ever repeated and was always told with that twinkle in his eyes.

  6. Patricia Bryant / November 19, 2022 at 11:02 pm

    I loved when my Aunt Tiny and Uncle Jerry would visit us in California. He’d always would cut everyone’s hair and then when I was around eight years old he started calling me Patricia Loise

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