Jerry Charles Mann

Jerry Charles Mann, 80, of McClure, Illinois died Friday, April 12, 2024 at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau, MO. He was born February 21, 1944 in Bell City, MO to Charles H. and Clodina Mary (Pruitt) Mann. Jerry joined the Army in July 1961, right after high school in Fort Hood Texas. Jerry was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo for basic training and supply school training. In January 1962, Jerry was stationed in Thule, Greenland for 1 year. Jerry stepped off the plane into Greenland with the temperature being -46 degrees and in his own words, "He still hasn't warmed up." While in Thule, Greenland, Jerry was a supply clerk and he was a supply sergeant when he returned back to Fort Leonard Wood. Again, "he still hasn't ever warmed up." While still serving in the Army, Jerry married Ruth Ann Edwards in June 1963 and left the Army in 1964. After serving in the Army, Jerry worked as a route salesman for a couple of different companies, before enrolling in the Illinois State Police Academy. Jerry joined the Illinois State Police in 1968 and retired as sergeant in 1993, at the age of 47 years old. Jerry spent most of his retired time at Mann Auto Body in McClure, IL., owned by his son Scott, building his own street rods. Jerry built 6 beautiful street rods. Jerry & Ruth entered several local and out of state car shows throughout the years & also went to several cruise in's, receiving many awards, trophies, and compliments on his cars. Jerry was also a member of the River City Rodder's Car Club, which the Veterans Home has recently received a donation from. Survivors include son, Scott (Connie) Mann of Cape Girardeau, MO; daughter, Michelle (Shawn) Hinkle of Cape Girardeau, MO; grandchild, Kylie "Sugar" Hinkle of Cape Girardeau, MO; two step grandchildren, Jill (Nic) Labbee of House Springs, MO, Jeremy (Kara) Franklin of Cape Girardeau, MO; four great-step-grandchildren, Emma and Lucas Labbee of House Springs, MO, Brayden and Eli Franklin of Cape Girardeau, MO, niece, Lisa Hammond; two nephews, Todd Shirley, Terry Shirley; numerous other nieces and nephews; three brothers-in-law, Roger (Sandy) Edwards of Dexter, MO, Oscar (Vicki) Talmage of Dexter, MO, Johnnie Shirley of Jackson, MO. He was preceded in death by wife and his parents; sister, Brenda Shirley; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Wayne) Cagle; father and mother in-law, Lloyd and Opal Edwards. Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Burial will follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, MO. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Diabetes Association or St. Jude Children's Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements.

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Jerry Charles Mann

February 21, 1944 - April 12, 2024