Jerry Lee Howard, 79, of Wood River, IL passed away peacefully in his sleep at 2:58 a.m. Monday, August 12, 2024 at his home with family by his side.

Jerry was born March 12, 1945 in East Alton, IL.  He was a son of the late Ross F. and Theo N. (Burjes) Howard, who were professional roller skaters called the Whirling Rollers. They traveled all over the country performing and meeting celebrities like Bob Hope and Milton Berle.

He had married the former R. Dianne (Odle) Breitweiser on May 11, 2004 in Negril Jamaica.  She sadly passed away February 14, 2018. He had formerly married M. Renae Harris who passed away on November 20, 2017. They had two children Joel Howard and Jennifer Howard.

Jerry had a 36 year career at the Olin Corporation working in the Print Shop most of the time as a press operator, retiring in 2004.

An avid water skier in his youth, he won 1st place at the Illinois Boy's Ski Jump competition in 1962.  He enjoyed fishing and loved the outdoors. Another of Jerry's hobbies was working with wood.  He built numerous pieces of furniture and cabinets.  Jerry attended the Faith Fellowship Church in Godfrey, IL.

Jerry was a US Army Veteran serving in the Vietnam War. He was an active member in Wood River VFW Post #2859, Alton VFW Post #1308 where he was also a former Commander and the East Alton American Legion Post #214.

Survivors include one daughter, Jennifer Howard of Springfield, IL; one son, Joel M. Howard of St. Peters, MO; three grandchildren, Adriana Bramstedt and Zach of Petersburg, VA, Rachel Howard of University City, MO, Kyle Howard of St. Peters, MO; one great-grandchild, Bentley Bramstedt of Petersburg, VA; one brother, Paul Howard and Patricia of Shipman, IL; two special friends, Jamra Womack of Champaign, IL, Tanna Kirbach of Godfrey, IL

Besides his parents and wife, Jerry was preceded in death by a sister, Fran Clark; one brother Ed Howard; two step brothers, Jim Howard, Bud Howard.

A celebration of Jerrys life will begin at 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Gray Funeral Home in Wood River, IL.

Services will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Daymond Talkington officiating.

Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park at 2308 W. Delmar Ave, Godfrey, IL  62035

Military Rites will be afforded by Alton VFW Post #1308.

Memorials may be given to the Alton VFW Post #1308 Relief Fund, 4445 Alby, Alton, IL  62002.

P.S.

To all my friends and family who ever loved me, I love you back and I'll see you on the other side.       Over and out.

Jerry