Jerome "Jerry" Kerner (73) of Springfield, MO, formerly of Newton

Jerome Paul “Jerry” Kerner, age 73, of Springfield, Missouri; and formerly of Newton, Illinois; passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2022, his home.

Visitation will be held 1:00 - 2:00 PM – Sunday, October 30, 2022, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. Graveside services with military rites will be follow the visitation at the New St Peter Cemetery east of Newton, Illinois. In loving memory of Jerry, memorials may be made to the St Thomas School or the Jasper County Boy’s and Girl’s Ballpark. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here.

Jerome Paul better known to his family and friends as “Jerry” was born on April 4, 1949, in Newton, Illinois, the son of Neil and Grace (Maxwell) Kerner. He graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1967. He then attended and played baseball at the University of Illinois and graduated with his undergraduate degree in 1971. Jerry served in the United States Army from 1971 to 1973, receiving the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his "outstanding performance of duty". Jerry was an avid sports fan, and a life-long Dodgers fan and his hero was Sandy Koufax. He also was a collector of baseball cards, stamps, and coins.

Jerry is survived by his children Steven, Tyler (wife Laura) and Staci (husband Matt), sister Rita, grandchildren Sophia, Kylie and Kevin, and a sister-in-law Pat.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Mike.