Jerry M. Waggoner

He was born the son of Albert James and Ruth Helen Waggoner on February 25, 1930 in Centralia Illinois. His mother passed away unexpectedly shortly after birth due to illness. Albert married Ara Catherine Rawlings in 1933. They precede him in death.

Jerry is survived by his wife Betty Waggoner; son, William (Sharon) Waggoner; daughter, Tracy (Neal) Hopkins; four grandsons; and ten great-grandchildren.

Jerry and Betty were married in 1951 in San Diego California. They moved to Danville Illinois in 1957. He was employed briefly at Illinois Bell Telephone (AT&T) as a lineman in 1950 and again later in 1957 as a Central Office Technician in Danville. He retired in 1986 with 31 years of service. They moved to Springfield Illinois in 2006.

Jerry was a veteran of the US Navy. He served active duty during the Korean War from 1950 until 1957. He served in the Naval Reserves in Danville from 1964 until he retired in 1990 as Chief Cryptologic Technician with rank of Chief Petty Officer and 30 years total service.

Jerry’s childhood hobby was working with radio equipment and electronics. He was a lifetime member of NERA, Naval Enlisted Reserve Association. He held a lifetime General Radio Telephone License from the Federal Communications Commission. He was an Amateur Radio Operator with call letters W9QEQ. He belonged to the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West, Springfield. Private services will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville. The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Central Illinois Foodbank, 1937 E. Cook St. Springfield, IL 62703.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.