Jerry Fair

Jerry Fair, 78, of East Alton, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 19, 2025, following a sudden cardiac event.

He was born on April 16, 1947, in Bedford, Indiana, to Cecil and Joy (Brown) Fair.

Jerry graduated from North Vernon High School in 1964 and briefly attended the University of Cincinnati before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He proudly served for four years in Germany. Upon returning to the States, he met and married the love of his life, Patti Vaughn.

Jerry earned his Master's degree in Christian School Administration from Indiana Baptist Bible College in Indianapolis, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Throughout his life, Jerry faithfully served his Lord and Savior in various ministries, including Pleasant Heights Baptist Church, Eagledale Baptist Church of Indianapolis, IN where he served for 13 years, a Professor of Elementary Education at Northland Baptist Bible College in Dunbar, WI for 22 years, and Administrator and Teacher at Mississippi Valley Christian School in Alton, IL for 19 years. During that time, he was an active member of Faith Baptist Church in Godfrey, IL, where he continued to worship and serve.

A passionate Green Bay Packers fan, Jerry also enjoyed golfing and gardening in his free time.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patti Fair of East Alton; his son, Joseph Fair of Columbus, IN; and his daughter, Sarah (Jerol) Chaney of Green Bay, WI. He was a proud Papaw to Laura (Walker) Bone of Las Vegas, NV, and Cora and Callum Chaney of Green Bay, WI.

Also surviving are his sister, Kathy Dowell; brother, Brian (Laura) Fair; sisters-in-law Beth Whitaker and Dee Vaughn; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Joy Fair; brother, Dennis Fair; parents-in-law, Eugene and Mary Jo Vaughn; and brothers-in-law, Marty Whitaker, Bruce Vaughn and William Dowell.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the East Alton Fire Department for their swift response, and to Sophia Rodriguez and Travis Koogler of Survival Flight EMS for their expert care.

A memorial service and fellowship hour will be held on Saturday, October 4th, at 2:00 PM, at Faith Baptist Church, 7505 North Humbert Road, Godfrey, IL 62002.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at:

YouTube - @FBCGodfrey

Facebook - FBC Godfrey

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests no floral arrangements due to allergy concerns.

Paynic Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jerry began each day with this verse, which now serves as a lasting reflection of his heart and faith:

Psalm 143:8

"Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning, for in Thee do I trust: Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee."