Jerry D. Ryan

Jerry D. Ryan, 89, of Palestine, IL, died January 26, 2022, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born September 5, 1932, in his grandparent's home near Janesville, IL, the son of Berlin & Mildred (Barger) Ryan. As a boy, he walked a mile each way to attend a one-room school and would eventually attend Cumberland High School, where he graduated in 1950. For a time, he worked for Taggert Implement in Toledo before answering his country's call during the Korean War. Upon enlisting into the U.S. Air Force, Jerry was sent to California for basic training before getting moved to Wichita Falls, TX. Here, he underwent instructional training and ranked very high in three specialties. He would be selected to help reconfigure B-29 bombers into refueling planes for jets and was sent to Albany, GA, to do just that. For the next 39 months, he worked as a mechanic and crane operator for this special project. It was while he was stationed in Georgia that he married Marcella Liston, and the two were united in Holy Matrimony at Pleasant View Church on March 29, 1953. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home to Illinois, working as a mechanic for Ray Biernbaum and George McCarter. In 1957, he and his young family moved to the Edna Sherwood farm south of Palestine. Though they didn't have much in the way of money, Jerry's determination, tireless work ethic, and passion for all-things agriculture eventually led to his farm's success. A great believer in practicing knowledge and results-based observation, Jerry consumed himself with Agronomy and used it to produce the best crops he could. In fact, his most common remark was, "I've done all I can do," and there's no doubt that he did, year after year. It was evident that Jerry was a man who loved the soil. This love poured over into a number of ag-based organizations. He was the first in Cumberland County to hold a State Farmer Degree and was also a ten-year member of the Cumberland County 4-H. Later, he served as a chairman on the Crawford County Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Directors and was, in fact, once named the "Soil & Water Conservationist of the Year"! He was also a longtime member of the U of I Ag Extension. In addition to his agricultural affiliations, he was a 50-year member of the Palestine Masonic Lodge #849, having served as Worshipful Master. He journeyed deeper into the teachings of the craft by joining the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite, where he received his 32nd Degree and was a 50-year member as well. A man of deep faith, he was a staple of the Palestine First Christian Church for 56 years, where he served as a deacon and an elder and even chaired the nominating committee. It has been said that "a man who cherishes the sod must surely be a friend of God". When we take a look at this old farmer's 89 years, we can say with both comfort and assurance that this saying holds particularly true for Jerry Ryan. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marcella Ryan; by his daughter & son-in-law, Linda Ryan-Catt & Mark Catt; by his precious grandchildren, who were each the love of his life, Charlie Catt, Mary Ann Catt, and Lindsay Ryan; by his brothers, Lee & Marilyn Ryan (Casey, IL) and Kent & Peggy Ryan (Toledo, IL); as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Berlin & Mildred Ryan, and by his son, Jerry Dale Ryan, who passed away on May 5, 2020. A time of visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 29th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Masonic services will follow the visitation and will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 30th, at the funeral home with Pastors Tom Akers & Karen Russell officiating. A live stream of Jerry's service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . **The family kindly requests that all attendees wear masks while inside the funeral home.** Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by the combined units of the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Palestine Grant-In-Aid Fund", with envelopes available at the funeral home.