Rev. Jerry D. Schell

Marion- Rev. Jerry D. Schell went home to be with his Lord and Savior at 3:30 PM, Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Baptist Health in Paducah, KY.

Jerry was born on November 14, 1950 in Harrisburg, IL to James and Lorene (Moore) Schell. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Beasley, on September 25, 1970 at Walnut Hill Baptist Church. Jerry held several jobs throughout his life. In his early years, he worked as a coal miner at Amax and Brushy Creek Mines. He concluded his career with Illinois Youth Corrections in Harrisburg. Jerry spent his life serving the Lord and preaching the Gospel. His lifelong passion was serving God and he pastored several churches for many years throughout southern Illinois. Most recently he was a member of and played the organ at Oasis Nazarene Church in Harrisburg. Jerry was musically gifted and was quite talented at playing the piano, organ, guitar and singing. He was a member of several quartets including- "The Gospel Keys", "The Ambassadors" and "The Laymen". His hobby was tuning pianos for area churches and people in need. He also served his community and volunteered his time as long time Chaplain for the Williamson County Fire Protection District and the former Marion Memorial Hospital.

His spare time was spent going to church, praising the Lord, meeting people, watching rodeos, going to all of the grandkids ballgames and traveling to Branson, MO, Pigeon Forge, TN, Charleston, SC and yearly trips to Shipshewana, IN with good friends Regina and Leonard Williams.

He is survived by his loving wife- Carolyn Schell of Marion; son- Terry Schell and wife Kristi of Marion; grandchildren- Jaden, MaLeah, Gracelin, Austin, Trevor and Tyler; great grandchildren- MaNielah, Kian and Kaiser; brother- Bill Schell and wife Donetta of New Burnside; sister- Linda Nalley of Goreville and several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother in law- Don Nalley; nephew- David Schell and great nephew- Conner Schell.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, February 6, 2026 at Lone Oak Baptist Church/ 809 Ryan Drive/ Energy, IL 62933. Rev. Gary Clark, Rev. Jim Flanagan and Rev. Matt Troxel will officiate with uplifting music performed by Tim Parton, Darren Payne, Mike Cullum and Bill Schell. Pallbearers will be Jaden Schell, Austin Vanness, Tyler Rix, Trevor Rix, Matt Troxel, Chad Nalley and Scott Nalley. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant (Poordo) Cemetery in Pittsburg, IL. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Lone Oak Baptist Church in Energy and from 9:00 AM until time of service, Friday, also at Lone Oak Baptist Church in Energy. Funeral services were entrusted to McCluskie Funeral Home in Herrin.

Memorial donations are suggested to Carpenters For Christ/ Eastern Hills Baptist Church/ 3604 Pleasant Ridge Rd/ Montgomery, AL 36109 Attn: Donna Brown and will be accepted at the church or may be mailed to McCluskie Funeral Home/ 501 S. 12th St/ Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, please visit www.mccluskiemillerfh.com or call (618) 942-2020.