Jerry William Spencer was born September 29, 1950, passed away at home on January 5, 2024. Jerry was the son of Billy Dean and Wilma Ann (Whisennand) Spencer. A lifelong resident of Yale, Illinois, Jerry served in the Air Force from 1970-1974 where he was stationed on Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. While in the service, Jerry often drove an MG car around Germany which inspired him to purchase one to restore later in life.
Upon returning to the States, Jerry met and married Ruth Ann Lowery on December 1, 1974, and built a family filled with love and three daughters – Ann Marie, Sarah Beth and Jennifer Louise. His wife, daughters, and his cars were his pride and joy.
Jerry was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and diligently served his community. He served on the Village of Yale Board as treasurer for more than 40 years. He also served as a township supervisor for more than 20 years and was a volunteer firefighter with the Yale Fire Department.
Exceedingly loyal, Jerry worked for more than 30 years for Leohr Oil Company in Yale. Sam and Mary Ann Leohr were not only his employers, but very important friends and mentors to him.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann, and three daughters: Ann Weger, husband Jameson, and children Alexander, Juliana and Nathaniel of Burlington, Iowa; Sarah Crane, husband Kenni, and son Avery of Madisonville, KY; Jennifer Staley, husband Ryan, and daughters Ella and Ruby of Casey, IL. His siblings Brad(Prudence) Spencer, Jim (Sue) Spencer and Christie Wagner also survive.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Wilma Spencer, in-laws Arthur and Frances Lowery, brothers-in-law Robert Lowery, Mark Wagner and Bruce Cohrs and sister-in-law, Mary Cohrs.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday January 10, 2024, at the Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup, IL. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday evening at the funeral chapel. Burial with Military Rites will be in the Yale Cemetery.
Memorials in Jerry’s honor can be made to the Yale Church of Christ or Greater Peoria Honor Flight (www.greaterpeoriahonorflight.org/online-donation). Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com
