Rev. Jerry Don Bagwell (70) of Effingham

Reverend Jerry Don Bagwell, age 70, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away at 2:09 PM - Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at HSHS St John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.    

Funeral services celebrating Pastor Bagwell’s life will be held at 11:00 AM – Saturday, May 6, 2023, at St John Lutheran Church, south of Dieterich, Illinois. Burial will be in the St John Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM – Saturday, at the church. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here. 

Jerry Don, better known as Pastor Bagwell, was born on July 26, 1952, in Odessa, Texas, the son of Roy William and Venita Anna (Fischer) Bagwell. He graduated from Permian High School with the Class of 1970, and continued his education and graduated from Angelo State University earning his degree in education, graduating in 1975. Following this degree, he went on to study at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft Wayne, Indiana, and earned his Master of Divinity degree and graduated with the Class of 1981.

Pastor Bagwell was ordained on July 26, 1981, and served as a Lutheran Pastor for many years. He also taught high school English for several years. Following his retirement, he and his son moved to Effingham County to serve as the interim pastor for St John Lutheran Church and St Paul Lutheran Church. After he moved here, he decided that this was to be forever home.   

Pastor Bagwell was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.

Pastor Bagwell is survived by: Son – Ronnie Don Dell Dale Bagwell of Effingham, Illinois; Brother – Dee Roy (wife Jill) Bagwell of Odessa, Texas; Nephew – Brett (Holly) Bagwell of Dallas, Texas; Niece – Blair Bagwell of Austin, Texas; Great Nephew – Johnnes Bagwell.

Pastor Bagwell was preceded in death by his parents.