Jerry Lee Harnish

Marion- Jerry Lee Harnish, Sr., 81, of Marion, formerly of Decatur, departed this life at 10:58 am, Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at Herrin Hospital. Jerry was born on April 5, 1931 in Decatur to Leslie Carl and Henriette (Schalla) Harnish. He married Corene Masters on December 21, 1964 in St. Louis, MO. She survives of Marion. Jerry was drafted into the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He served his country bravely as a Military Police Officer and was honorably discharged in 1955. Once stateside he worked 39 years for Wabash and Norfolk southern railroads and retired in 1987 as chief Electrical Inspector. Jerry attended Freedom Freewill Baptist church and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was deliberate in his actions and had an ornery streak. He was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan and his time was spent boating and fishing on the Lake of Egypt on his Pontoon boat and watching CNN and his purple Martins. Jerry was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include- Wife- Corene Harnish of Marion Son- Jimmy Darrell Schroeder and wife Jean of Collinsville Son- Jerry Lee Harnish, Jr and wife Kara of Decatur Daughter- Susan Short and husband Norm of Marion Grandchildren: Jimmy Darrell Schroeder, Jr. Jamie Schroeder-Haley Amber Harnish Kori Huss-Harnish Kodi Harnish Alissa Harnish Sydney Short Eight Great Grandchildren Brother- Bill Harnish and wife Lorie of Decatur Sister- Alice Pierce and husband Mayes of Louisville, KY Sister- Joan Lange of Edmund, OK Sister- Bev Myrvold and husband Steve of Decatur Beloved nephews- Ken and Steve Worley of Sikeston, MO He was preceded in death by his parents and sister- Carol Dart. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 11, 2012 at Freedom Freewill Baptist Church south of Marion. Rev. Gordon Smith will officiate. Burial will follow at Freedom Cemetery south of Marion. Military rites will be performed at graveside by the Marion VFW and American Legion Posts and the Illinois National Guard. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 PM, Friday, August 10, 2012 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Memorial donations are suggested to Freedom Freewill Baptist Church and will be accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home/ 800 North Market St/ Marion, IL 62959.