July 21, 1951 – June 19, 2026
Jerry Dale Newlin, age 74, of Gila, Illinois, passed away at 9:15 PM on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Heartland Senior Living in Neoga, Illinois.
A service celebrating Jerry’s life will be held at 4:00 PM – Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the West End Reception and Events Center, 202 Museum Drive, Newton, Illinois, with Brother Tim Schnautz officiating. A visitation and reception will follow with a meal and ice cream. In loving memory of Jerry, memorials may be mailed to the Jasper County Cancer Fund, PO Box 333, Newton, Illinois, 62448. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. Please visit www.meyerfh.com to view the full obituary and to give condolences to the family.
Jerry was born on July 21, 1951, in Olney, Illinois, the son of Glen Albert and Iris Jean (Buzzard) Newlin. He attended Newton Community High School, graduating with the Class of 1969. He then attended Lakeland College and earned as associates in mechanics.
Jerry grew up on the Newlin family farm near Gila, Illinois, where farming became a lifelong passion. He worked alongside his brothers, Jeffery and Tim, learning the values of hard work and dedication from an early age.
Jerry began his career in the farm equipment industry at a young age, first working for Weber Brothers International Harvester dealership. He later joined J.I. Case–Tenneco Corporation, where he worked in both Bloomington and Decatur.
In 1975, Jerry accepted a position with Jansen Brothers International Harvester dealership in Newton. After years of dedication and experience, he became a partner in the business in 1985, purchasing the dealership and helping establish Newton Implement Case IH.
Jerry enjoyed traveling around the countryside crop checking, tinkering on tractors and going to tractor shows. He served as the Grove Township Democrat Precinct committeeman for several years and was on the Grove Township Board. For several years he also served as a trustee for the Kerns cemetery.
Jerry is survived by-
Siblings – Jeffery “J.O.” Newlin of Newton, Illinois; Leah Newlin and Judy Newlin of Gila, Illinois.
Cousins – Cheryl and Gary Butcher, Nathan Butcher and Katie Greene
Faithful companions, his dogs Marley and Otis
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Timothy Ray Newlin on May 18, 2025.
