Obituary for John Kerley
John Lewis Kerley, age 77, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of JESUS on October 27, 2022, at 11:24 A.M., after a brief illness with family close by. He was the third son born to Norman and Johnnie Kerley, and stepfather Frank Lloyd, Dixon, Illinois. John grew up as an active member of The First Baptist Church, Dixon, Illinois and attended both Lincoln Elementary and Dixon High School (DHS). He was deeply spiritual, passionate for adventure, enjoyed all types of sports and music, excelled in academia, became a talented athlete, learned to play the snare drums in seventh grade and joined the Marching Band and German Band while in high school. As a hobby, he taught Ballroom Dance Classes and he loved to serve the community in various fundraisers and church functions. He had the spirit of kindness embedded in him from his close family upbringing. He graduated with honors from Dixon High School Class of 1963, Dixon, Illinois.
After high school graduation, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served four years of combat on the front lines of the Vietnam War as a Lance Corporal. He also continued to play the snare drums while in the Marines. After his Honorable Discharge, he served in the Marine Reserves for a few years.
He sought, cultivated, and thoroughly enjoyed new friendships throughout his lifetime which enriched his life as a loving husband, father, brother, and son. When asked late in life, “How would you like to be remembered?”, John answered, “As a Christian man, loving father and son with a playful heart and a good sense of humor.”
John was well known for his interests mostly in current events, but he will also be remembered for his lightening quick wit and his ability to endear anyone in his midst. He loved to share his fun, and his generous nature led him to many friendships. He cherished his First Baptist Church Family, his U.S. Marine Corp Buddies, his California and Florida beach friends, his close-knit family, and countless others. He loved spending time with his family celebrating holidays, traveling to distant countries, and taking cruises. He always reminded everyone that love never fails and GOD is with you always.
Using his G.I. Bill, he was able to pursue a Political Science Degree from Long Beach City College and he graduated from California State Long Beach with a Bachelor’s degree in political science while working at McDonnell Douglas Defense contractor for domestic and military defense. He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Johnnie Lloyd, Dixon, Illinois and Norman Kerley, Kentucky; Brothers: Eddie Kerley, Dixon, Illinois and Kenneth Kerley, Rockford, Illinois.
John is survived by his two sons: Aaron John Kerley (Helen) Big Sky, Montana ; Dave Kerley, Long Beach, California; sister: Ellarea Kerley Farwell (J. Marc), Orlando, Florida and Brother: Noble Kerley (Debra), Westminster, California and twin sisters: Mary Lou Duckett, Paducah, Kentucky, and Norma Sue Hudson (Delbert), Calvert City, Kentucky); Grandchildren: Audrey Kerley and Lilly Kerley, Big Sky, Montana; McKinsey Kerley, and Stacey Kerley, Long Beach, California; Paternal Aunt Alice Adel Madding, La Center, Kentucky, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, among several dear friends.
John has asked that any donations on his behalf be directed to the Wounded Warriors Foundation.
Burial pending with Military Funeral Honors to be officiated by The U.S. Marine Corps coordinated through Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, 1132 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, Florida.
After high school graduation, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served four years of combat on the front lines of the Vietnam War as a Lance Corporal. He also continued to play the snare drums while in the Marines. After his Honorable Discharge, he served in the Marine Reserves for a few years.
He sought, cultivated, and thoroughly enjoyed new friendships throughout his lifetime which enriched his life as a loving husband, father, brother, and son. When asked late in life, “How would you like to be remembered?”, John answered, “As a Christian man, loving father and son with a playful heart and a good sense of humor.”
John was well known for his interests mostly in current events, but he will also be remembered for his lightening quick wit and his ability to endear anyone in his midst. He loved to share his fun, and his generous nature led him to many friendships. He cherished his First Baptist Church Family, his U.S. Marine Corp Buddies, his California and Florida beach friends, his close-knit family, and countless others. He loved spending time with his family celebrating holidays, traveling to distant countries, and taking cruises. He always reminded everyone that love never fails and GOD is with you always.
Using his G.I. Bill, he was able to pursue a Political Science Degree from Long Beach City College and he graduated from California State Long Beach with a Bachelor’s degree in political science while working at McDonnell Douglas Defense contractor for domestic and military defense. He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Johnnie Lloyd, Dixon, Illinois and Norman Kerley, Kentucky; Brothers: Eddie Kerley, Dixon, Illinois and Kenneth Kerley, Rockford, Illinois.
John is survived by his two sons: Aaron John Kerley (Helen) Big Sky, Montana ; Dave Kerley, Long Beach, California; sister: Ellarea Kerley Farwell (J. Marc), Orlando, Florida and Brother: Noble Kerley (Debra), Westminster, California and twin sisters: Mary Lou Duckett, Paducah, Kentucky, and Norma Sue Hudson (Delbert), Calvert City, Kentucky); Grandchildren: Audrey Kerley and Lilly Kerley, Big Sky, Montana; McKinsey Kerley, and Stacey Kerley, Long Beach, California; Paternal Aunt Alice Adel Madding, La Center, Kentucky, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, among several dear friends.
John has asked that any donations on his behalf be directed to the Wounded Warriors Foundation.
Burial pending with Military Funeral Honors to be officiated by The U.S. Marine Corps coordinated through Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, 1132 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, Florida.