Jerry L. Buffenmeyer

LERNA, IL – Jerry Lee Buffenmeyer, age 86 of rural Lerna, passed away in the comfort of his home on Sunday, April 29, 2018.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 4, 2018 at the funeral chapel. Burial, with Military Rites conducted by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and the Charleston American Legion Post 93, will follow at the Janesville Cemetery.  It is requested that memorial donations in his honor be made to the EIU Foundation (Buffenmeyer-Friend Scholarship) or to the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 Honor Guard.  Gifts may be left at the visitation or service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

Jerry was born October 9, 1931 in Charleston, Illinois, the only child of the late Cecil and Myrtle (Veach) Buffenmeyer.  He married Eloise Knight on June 16, 1951at her Lerna home.  In addition to his bride of nearly 67 years, Jerry is survived by his children, daughter Susan Friend and husband Bob of Lombard, Illinois and son, Karl Buffenmeyer and wife Dennise of Taylorville, Illinois; four grandchildren, Jennifer Friend of Port Richey, Florida, Jill (Jim) Moldenhauer of Westchester, Illinois, Kyle (Misty) Buffenmeyer of Taylorville, Illinois and Amy (Bobby) Shafer of Windsor, Illinois; five great-grandchildren, Jacob and Mitchell Buffenmeyer, Tessa and Tucker Shafer and Samuel Lee Moldenhauer.

Jerry was a 1949 graduate of Charleston High School.  He was inducted into active service with the United States Army on February 21, 1951 and honorably served his country during the Korean War until his discharge on February 19, 1954.  Jerry was a retired district sales manager for Pioneer Hi-Bred International Seed Company.  He also worked for Cargill, Central Illinois Seed, and Lindley Chevrolet.

Jerry was a life member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 where he proudly served as a member of the Honor Guard.  He was a charter member of the Lerna Lion’s Club, serving as President for several terms during the past 33 years.  Jerry enjoyed doing for others and has volunteered for more than 18 years as a member of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Guild.  He has been a faithful and active member of the Lerna United Methodist Church family, serving in many leadership capacities including Council Chairperson, Treasurer, Trustee, Sunday School Superintendent and Sunday School teacher.  Jerry also was a former Pleasant Grove Township Trustee and was honored for his volunteerism by the People’s Bank & Trust in Charleston.

Jerry’s most enjoyable times were spent with family and included trips to Hawaii, Disney World and St. Louis Cardinal baseball games.  He always looked forward to drives around the countryside and visiting with friends.  Jerry was a man of integrity whose qualities of caring kindness and honesty were admired by all who knew him.