Jerry S. Staley

September 1, 1943 - January 27, 2019

Jerry S. Staley, 75, of Dix, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2019, at his home. He was born September 1, 1943, the son of Elmer and Evelyn Staley. On June 7, 1967, he married Mary M. Karch, and she survives. Jerry began his education in a one room school, and graduated from Field Grade School before graduating from Mt. Vernon Township High School. He continued his education, graduating from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a B.S. in Engineering. All through his career in automotive engineering, holding positions from plant manager to Vice President for several companies, and spending time in China, Japan, Korea, Germany, Argentina, and Mexico, his heart and soul belonged to the family farm. On retirement, he returned to the farm, raising a few cattle and farming. He became a master gardener, gaining special friends Jim and Sandy Menton. Jerry also enjoyed working with his bees and sharing his honey harvest. Special thanks to Harry Connaway for letting his mule find his way to the farm, which he enjoyed. In addition to his wife, Mary Staley of Dix, he is survived by a son, Daniel Scott Staley and wife Nanci Michelle Bezeck-Staley, and their children Noah Staley, Micah Staley, and Felix Staley, all of Oregon; a daughter, Khalia Staley-Crandell and her children, Robert and Rachael Crandell and daughter Lillian of Missouri, Meaghan and Travis Hollin and daughter Emerson of Scott Air Force Base, and Belle Graves of Missouri; and a son, Phillip Staley of Illinois, and his children, Taylor Staley and Peyton Staley, both serving in the U.S. Army, and Barrett Staley and Jade Staley, of California. He is also survived by one brother, Ted Staley and wife Patricia of Westmont, Illinois; and one sister, Nancy Karch and husband Ralph of Nashville, Illinois. Jerry was blessed with a very unique extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; two brothers, Bill and Don; and one son-in-law, Robert Crandell. In accordance with Mr. Staley's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and no public services will be held. Burial will occur at a later date, at Panther Fork Cemetery, and a family gathering will be held at his farm. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children, and will be accepted by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the funeral home's Facebook page.