Jerry Leonard's Obituary
Jerry Leonard, age 78, of Charleston, IL, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.
He was born on February 24, 1947, in Charleston, Il to Robert and Ivah (Snider) Leonard. On April 17, 1993, he married the love of his life, Valerie Hudson in Gatlinburg, TN.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Valerie Leonard of Charleston, IL; four children, Vanessa Henne of Panama City, FL, Marc (Winnie) Hutchcraft of Lenexa, KS, Casey (Billie) Hutchcraft of Mattoon, IL, and Corey Hutchcraft of Gays, IL; nine grandchildren, Nathan, Mara, Jordan, Jade, Casandra, Cade, Dane, Christian, and Cole; four great-grandchildren, Remi, Mars, Ezra, and Whitley; two sisters, Brenda Sawyer of Charleston, IL and Helen (Dale) Holt, of Champaign, IL; and nieces and nephews, including Kelly, Bobbi, Jerri, Connie, and Todd.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings, Joan Levitt, Robert “Bob” Leonard, and Allen Anderson; and his brother-in-law, Tom Sawyer.
Jerry was a lifelong resident of Charleston. He left school at 15 years old to work to provide for his mother and siblings. His generosity continued for his family throughout his life. Jerry was a truck driver for 52 years. Jerry loved the Cubs, pulling tractors, and playing golf. Jerry was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Moose, and the Corn Belt Shrine Club.
Jerry was a man of great faith, and he fully knew he would be safe in the arms of Jesus and reunited with his mother in heaven.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., in Charleston, IL. Masonic Rites will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston, IL. A funeral service will immediately follow Masonic Rites with Pastor Scott Sims officiating. Burial will take place at Mound Cemetery in Charleston, following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn. Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.
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