Gerald “Jerry” McConnell, 64, of Allendale, Illinois, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on June 26, 1960, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Hershel and Dorothy (Ringham) McConnell. He married Carol Corder on June 2, 1984, and they have celebrated forty years of loving marriage.
Jerry worked as a truck driver, and he dearly loved his job. He started working for Allendale Gravel when he was 17 years old and continued for forty-five plus years. For a period of time, he would haul watermelons and potatoes all over the country, and also hauled fuel for Andrews Oil. He knew everything there was to know about trucking and enjoyed visiting with all of his trucking buddies. He thought of his fellow employees as family. Jerry was an avid Trump supporter. He had a special love for his dog, Bryer. Jerry was a loving husband, father and grandfather with his grandchildren being the light of his life. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Jerry leaves behind his beloved wife, Carol; sons, Douglas (Stephen) Jones, Jeremy (Emily) Penrod; Daughter, Heather (Matt) Thombleson; grandchildren, Tristan, Landon, Brooklyn and Annaliese Penrod, Sophie and Elle Jones, Gregory and Nolan Thombleson, Austin McConnell; his biological mother, Patricia (Irwin) Grinberg; brother, David (Sheryl) Grinberg; sisters, Audrey Mitch, and Charlene (John) Wingett; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, James Corder; brother-in-law, Gary Corder; sister-in-law, Dinah Corder; nephew, Gene Fox III.
The family will host a Celebration of Life at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Allendale Ruritan Building, 310 E Main St. Allendale, IL 62410
Memorial contributions may be made in Jerry’s memory to Carol McConnell to help with his final expenses. Envelopes will be at the Celebration or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Jerry’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the McConnell family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
