Jerry Dean Edwards, age 81, of Charleston, IL, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Arbor Rose Assisted Living Facility in Charleston.

Jerry was born on March 16, 1943, to Clarence and Margaret "Louise" (Ashbrook) Edwards in Charleston, IL. On November 29, 1963, he married Linda Joyce Kelly in Ashmore, IL.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Edwards, of Charleston, IL; two daughters, Jill (Jerry) Sweeney of Charleston, IL, and Jana (Scott) Drake of Wiesbaden, Germany; eight grandchildren: Christina (John) Henry of Oakland, IL, Nathan (Leah) Sweeney of Hixon, TN, Ashlyn (Jacob) Daughtery of Mattoon, IL, Jordyn Drake of Incirlik, Turkey, Kamryn (Louie) Estera of Mahomet, IL, Jerrod Drake of St. Louis, MO, Keyrstyn Drake of Bourbonnais, IL, and Kylyn Drake of Wiesbaden, Germany; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings: Doris Golladay, Margery Young, and Ralph Edwards.

Jerry graduated from Charleston High School in 1961. He worked for 30 years at Moore Business Forms before retiring from Eastern Illinois University, where he was employed as a carrier in the mail room.

Jerry was baptized at Charleston First Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, motorcycling, tennis, ping pong, bowling, and playing pool.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, with  Jerry Sweeney officiating at 10:30 a.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston, with burial to follow at Mound Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Ashmore United Presbyterian Church, 201 S. Illinois St., Ashmore, IL 61912.

To view the obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or share memories, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com. Adams Funeral Chapel of Charleston, IL, is handling the arrangements.