Gerald Lee Owen "Jerry" Burge

Marion- Gerald Lee Owen Jerry Burge, 79, of Marion, formerly of Decatur & Chicago, passed away at 8:02 PM, Saturday, June 27, 2009 at The Fountains Nursing Home in Marion. Jerry was born on July 10, 1929 in Decatur to Ollie & Irene (Jones) Burge. He married Lois McBride in 1951 in Decatur and the marriage ended in divorce. He married Marie Ralston in September of 1958 in Decatur and they were divorced. He married Ruth Alford in Chicago on April 1, 1980. Together they shared almost 30 years of marriage. Jerry formerly worked as manager of the Selfix Warehouse in Chicago, but more recently worked at a self employed handyman. He owned and operated Jerry Did It and performed handyman services for area residents. He was a skilled furniture refinisher and wood carver. In his spare time he enjoyed carving various figures from wood, bone and even peach pits. He loved collecting coins and fishing with his buddies or one of his sons. Jerry was of protestant faith and attended Grange Hall Baptist Church in rural Marion. Survivors include- Wife- Ruth Burge of Marion Daughter- Sandra Kay Burge of San Antonio, TX Son- Terry Lee Burge of Hoffman Estates, IL Son- Timothy Brent Burge & wife Michelle of Cary, IL Daughter- Lori Ann Bryant & husband George of Rochelle, IL Daughter- Tina Marie Morrow & husband Mark of Jackson, MI Step Son- Butch Beck of Oregon, IL Step Son Larry Beck of Colombia Falls, MT Six Grandchildren Several Step Grandchildren Brother- William Burge & wife Nancy of Houston, TX Sister- Ruth Marohl & husband Matt of Corpus Christi, TX Several nieces & nephews He was preceded in death by his parents. The funeral service will be held at 6:00 PM, Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Rev. Kevin McNeely will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until time of service, Tuesday at the funeral home. Inurnment will be held at Graceland Cemetery in Decatur on Thursday, July 2, 2009. Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home/ 800 N. Market St/ Marion, IL 62959. Watch the Video Tribute