Jerry Dale Harner

Jerry Dale Harner, age 80 years, a resident of rural Cypress, Illinois, passed away Thursday morning, October 24, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. at his home. Jerry was born December 10, 1943 in Vienna, Illinois. He was the son of Paul J. and Esther (Vinson) Harner. On March 14, 1980, Jerry was united in marriage to Beverly Kay Jones in Goreville, Illinois. She survives. In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by: 5 children – Ricky Lee Flannigan of Olive Branch, Illinois, Pattie Lynn (Tim) Thompson of Metropolis, Illinois, Timmy Wayne (Jeana) Flannigan of Simpson, Illinois, Shelby Marlene (Danny) Robinson of Marion, Illinois, and David Alan (Tara) Harner of Mt. Vernon, Indiana; several grandchildren – including Sharrol Stevens of Anna, Illinois and Dereck Flannigan of Cypress, Illinois, both whom Jerry raised; great grandchildren; a brother – Darrel (Linda) Harner of Tunnel Hill, Illinois; 2 sisters-in-law – Mary Ann Harner of Eldorado, Illinois and Virginia “Boots” Harner of Tunnel Hill, Illinois; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by; a grandson – David Alan Harner, Jr., 2 brothers – Kenneth Harner and Wayne Harner; and a sister – Georgia Gardner. Jerry was a member of the Vienna High School graduating class of 1964. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1965. Jerry served aboard the USS Ogden (LPD 5) BT-4500 as a boiler technician. He earned the National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal, Republic of Vietnam Service medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation medal. He was honorably discharged in 1971 with the rank of Petty officer 2nd Class. Jerry was employed by Veach Oil Company in the maintenance department and as an equipment operator and electrician. Later, Jerry worked at the Norge manufacturing facility in Herrin, Illinois for 27 ½ years as an assembler on the washer & dryer line. Jerry enjoyed the outdoors. He particularly enjoyed mowing his yard and working on lawn mower engines. Jerry was a talented and skilled artist. He was particularly gifted at drawing caricatures. Jerry was also a skilled woodworker and carpenter. He was of the Baptist faith. A Celebration of Life will be hosted by the family on Sunday, November 10, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Vienna City Park. Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 98, Vienna, Illinois or to the American Cancer Society, 5 Schiber Port, Suite C, Maryville, Illinois 62062.

Jerry Dale Harner

December 10, 1943 - October 24, 2024