Jerry Wayne Garvin

Jerry was born on December 18, 1943, in Springfield, the son of John Henry and Marguerite Lenora Thomason Garvin. He married Mary B. George on April 23, 1966, at Church of the Little Flower in Springfield.

Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, worked as a meat-cutter at Humphrey’s Blue Ribbon Meats for 21 years, and retired from CWLP Lake Services after more than 20 years. He was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish at St. Patrick Church, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus #4179, St. Pat’s Men’s Club, and American Legion Post #32. Jerry was an avid Notre Dame, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and NASCAR fan. He was known for his chili and vegetable soup, cooking at fish frys and at the Ethnic Festival. Jerry also volunteered as a 7th and 8th grade boys’ basketball coach for St. Patrick Grade School during the 70s and 80s. During his time in the military, he brought joy to children during the Christmas Season as he dressed up as Santa; a tradition he kept when he came home for family and friends.

Jerry was a loving husband, dad, papa, great-grandpa, and friend. This was obvious with all the family gatherings and trips to Notre Dame annually, Cardinals/Cubs games, Pawnee sporting events/activities and annual family vacations with the grandchildren. He was an avid supporter of local businesses, including Sunday breakfast at Keefner’s and weekly beers at Franny’s. Jerry enjoyed watching the movie Rudy to the point that he could recite the entire movie; he also enjoyed watching western TV shows, most notably The Duke, John Wayne.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John and Paul Garvin; sisters, Helen Smith, Virginia Amerantiz, Donna Asbell, Carol Lofquist, and Linda Sion; one niece; and one nephew.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Garvin of Springfield; daughters, Cynthia (David) Funk of Springfield, Cheryl Garvin of Springfield, and Catherine (Adam) Bradbury of Pawnee; six grandchildren, Krystal Funk, Thomas “TD” Garvin, Tony Garvin, Grace Funk, Bailee Honold, and Kinze McTaggart; one great-grandchild, Blake Larson; sisters, Delores Parton of Sublette, IL and Karen (Jerry) Hirstein of Springfield; brothers, Donald Garvin of Ramona, CA and Michael (Sharon) Garvin of Auburn; and several nieces and nephews. Jerry was fortunate to have great friends who were like family through the years from St. Patrick Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at Butler Funeral Home—Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. Casual dress for the visitation preferably Notre Dame attire.

Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2020, at St. Katharine Drexel Parish at St. Patrick Church, 1720 South Grand Avenue East, Springfield with Rev. James E. Isaacson, S.J.C., celebrant.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 675 E. Linton Ave., Springfield, IL 62703; Camp Coco Children’s Cancer Fund, c/o Southern Illinois University Foundation, Colyer Hall, Mail Code 6805, 1235 Douglas Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901; or St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 722 S. 12th St., Springfield, IL 62703.