Jerry Joe Corwin, 76, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026, at home. He was born on March 26, 1950, in Princeton, Indiana, the son of George F. and Frances Glendale “Glennie” (Sperry) Corwin. He married Mary Ellen Stillwell on May 31, 1970, at the Friedens United Church of Christ and they have celebrated almost fifty-six years of loving marriage.
Jerry was a 1968 graduate of Mount Carmel High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University. He started the Graphic Arts and Communications program at Mount Carmel High School, where he dedicated thirty-three years to teaching and inspiring students. In addition to his teaching career, Jerry owned and operated Corwin Printing for many years before selling the business to his valued employees, Kyle and Connie Day, who continue the respected reputation and legacy he established. In his younger years, Jerry also worked at Canedy’s Market as a butcher.
In his spare time, Jerry enjoyed antique cars, street rods, and attending car shows. He also enjoyed fishing, spending relaxing time at the lake, and cheering on his beloved St. Louis Cardinals, especially when able to attend games in person. Jerry had an appreciation for various forms of art and craftsmanship, including sign painting, carpentry, and woodworking. Most of all, Jerry cherished time spent with his loving family. Jerry was baptized at Grace Memorial Baptist Church and was an active member of Friedens United Church of Christ. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Jerry leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary Ellen; daughters, Julia Elizabeth Corwin, Emily Michelle Rummel and her husband, Mike, whom Jerry thought of as his own son; extended special family, Sherrie Knutson; sister, Billie (Kenneth) Terry; sister-in-law, Sarah Corwin; many nieces and nephews; his dog, Darcy Jo; and grand-pups, Rosie and Whiskey.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Corwin; in-laws, James & Mary Stillwell.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Pastor Allan Wright officiating. The family asks that those attending the Visitation or Funeral to wear a St. Louis Cardinals shirt, or the color red in Jerry’s Memory.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jerry’s memory to Wabash Rally Against Cancer or the American Diabetes Association. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
The family would like to express gratitude to his Home Health Nurses Dina Alldredge, Angie Meadows and his caregivers and first responders.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Jerry’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Corwin family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
