Otis E. Kerley

Otis E. Kerley, son of Orlan and Lassie (Shrum) Kerley, was born September 7, 1930 near Simpson, Illinois. He passed away Monday evening, October 21, 2013 at 6:15 PM at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna, IL. Otis was united in marriage to Betty Jo Tucker on March 29, 1952 in the Flatwoods community of Johnson County, Illinois. She preceded him in death on August 4, 2002. Otis was a US Army veteran serving from 1945 through 1968. During the Korean War, he was awarded the Purple Heart. His favorite duty during his many years of military service was a ski instructor at Ft. Lewis, Washington. In addition to retirement from the US Army, Otis retired from Norge in Herrin, Illinois with 20 years of service. Survivors include: 2 Daughters- Pat & Donald Vaughn of Belknap, IL Teresa & David Hill of Karnak, IL 2 Sons- Everett & Sandy Kerley of Ganntown, IL Leo & Teri Kerley of Vienna, IL 8 Grandchildren- Joy & Ted Beggs, Sara & Justin Partridge, Seth Vaughn, Matt & Devyn Kerley, Kenneth & Kiersten Kerley, Jacob & Jenifer Kerley, Daniel Kerley and Michael Hill. 15 Great Grandchildren 3 Brothers- Rillis Kerley of Vienna, IL Donald Kerley of Vienna, IL Roy Kerley of Simpson, IL 3 Sisters- Faye Kerley of Metropolis, IL Letha Breeden of Vienna, IL Wilma Murphy of Vienna, IL In addition to his parents and wife, Otis was preceded in death by his sister, Frances Kerley along with infant sisters, Betty Lou and Millie Florine. Otis was a member of Belknap Pentecostal Church. He loved reading and studying the Bible, gardening and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon, October 26, 2013 at 1:00 PM at the Belknap Pentecostal Church. Pastor Kenneth Capps will officiate. Burial will be in the Rock Springs Cemetery near Simpson. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post #5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Visitation will be Friday evening after 5PM at the Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna, IL and from 12PM-1PM Saturday at the Belknap Pentecostal Church. Memorials may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home, 792 N. Main Street, Anna, IL 62906 or to Rock Springs Cemetery, c/o Roy Kerley, State Rt. 147, Simpson, IL 62985.

Otis E. Kerley

September 7, 1930 - October 21, 2013