Jerome T. “Jerry” Scherer, 86, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2019 at Decatur Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. Jerry was born January 16, 1933 in Olney, Illinois, firstborn of Jerome F. and LaVerne (Dewhirst) Scherer. He married Elizabeth A. Hayes on July 7, 1957 in Olney, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, son, J. Alan of Decatur, and daughter, Kim E. Scherer of Mission Viejo, California.

He is also survived by his sister, Juldine Olsen of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, brother, Gaylord Scherer of Peoria, Illinois and sister-in-law, Gladys Scherer of Olney, Illinois; 4 nephews and 2 nieces, and several grand-nephews and grand-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard.

Jerry loved spending time with family and friends and working in his garden. Before he started his career, Jerry was a member of the U.S. Army where attained rank of Private First Class. He worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 34 years, and was a volunteer or member, and often leader, of several associations and clubs, including SME, SHIP, ELKS, American Legion, FOE and Caterpillar Retirees Club. Following retirement, Jerry and Liz split their time between Decatur and Mesa, Arizona.

Funeral arrangements have been planned at Moran & Goebel, 2801 N. Monroe St. in Decatur. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 30th from 1PM to 3PM; the service will immediately follow. Graveside services and interment will take place on Friday, May 31st at 1PM at Crest Haven Memorial Park, 7573 East IL 250, Claremont, Illinois 62421, about 7 miles east of Olney.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Salvation Army This was Jerry’s favorite charity.

Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, Decatur, IL. – May 27, 2019