Gerald Cashion

Jerry was born on March 11, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Albert Walker and Mary Irene (Barnes) Cashion. He graduated from Elkville High School in Elkville, Illinois, in 1963. On January 9, 1982, Jerry married Connie Jean Woods, with whom he shared nearly 45 years of marriage.

Jerry began driving a truck for his uncle in the coalfields of Southern Illinois at an early age. What began as a young man's job became a career that spanned several decades, until his retirement in 2003.

Jerry was a man who enjoyed working with his hands and had a knack for fixing just about anything, sometimes with his own creative brand of “Jerry-rigging.” Whether woodworking, remodeling, or tinkering with something that needed attention, he was rarely at a loss for a way to make things work. He was equally generous with his time and talents, always willing to lend a helping hand, whether to a fellow trucker broken down along the highway, a neighbor in need, or a family member who could use a little help.

Jerry especially enjoyed sharing stories and reminiscing about real-life experiences, often recalling those little moments that could bring a smile or a laugh to everyone within earshot. He also had a creative and humorous side, occasionally putting pencil to paper to draw amusing, caricature-like cartoons of family members. In his later years, he developed an enjoyment of video games, sharing online adventures with his children and grandchildren and finding yet another way to spend time together.

Above all, Jerry treasured his family and the times they gathered together, sharing stories, laughter, and memories. He loved Jesus and was a member of The Lighthouse Church in Kingdom City, Missouri.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, David Cashion and Randall Cashion; and his sisters, Alberta Cashion and Donna Trisler.

He is survived by his wife, Connie, of the home; his sons, Thomas (Melissa) Cashion of Fulton, Missouri, Timothy (Shami) Cashion of New Bloomfield, Missouri, and Royal (Amy) Cashion of Harrisburg, Missouri; his daughters, Tammy McDaniel of Holts Summit, Missouri, Teresa (Paul) Rusler of Auxvasse, Missouri, Holly (Christopher) Sherwood of Auxvasse, Missouri, and Crystal Cashion of West Melbourne, Florida; 20 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Jerry's love of family gatherings and time spent together, a private celebration of his life will be held with family and friends at a later date, during an annual family gathering.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jerry's memory may make a memorial donation to The Lighthouse Church, 2848 County Road 147, Kingdom City, MO 65262.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the Holts Summit Police Department for the professionalism, kindness, and compassion shown to Jerry's family during their time of loss.