Gerald Eugene "Jerry" Cantrell Sr.

Gerald "Jerry" Eugene Cantrell Sr., 88, of Palmyra, MO, passed away at 6:13 PM, Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal, MO. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, September 19, 2025, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. Rev. Tim Goodman will officiate. Burial will be at Mendon Cemetery in Mendon, IL. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Friday, at the funeral home. Jerry was born August 21, 1937, in Mendon, IL to William "Bill" Thomas Cantrell and Elizabeth Catherine Swank Cantrell. Survivors include Jerry's companion of over 26 years, Nancy Pence; his five children, Gerald Cantrell Jr. (Cheryl) of Sparta, IL, Greg Cantrell of Quincy, IL, Lisa Robbins (Tod) of Ursa, IL, Shana Williams of Quincy, IL and Michelle "Shelli" Howell (Bobby) of Lorraine, IL; 12 grandchildren, Jerad, Amanda, Mitchell, Trisha, Matt, Brianna, Haley, Blake, Brooklynn, Lauren, Sarah, and Andrea; several great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Isabelle Flynn, Ethel Meyer, Delores Rose, and Ruby Weldy; five brothers, David "Bud" Cantrell, Donald Cantrell, Ralph Cantrell, Raymond Cantrell, and Junior Cantrell. Jerry owned and operated Jerry Cantrell Trucking for many years. He later worked at Buckhorn Rubber from which he retired after 17 years. Throughout his life Jerry was also a lifelong grain and livestock farmer. Jerry spent countless hours on his deck, where he would admire hummingbirds, wrens, and the deer wandering through his backyard. His love for the great outdoors extended far beyond his own deck. Jerry loved the beautiful views of the mountains in Montana, attending tractor and car shows, camping, touring the caves in Missouri, and attending Old Threshers. He found great enjoyment in watching the classic westerns, "Gunsmoke," "The Rifleman," and "Laramie" or anything with nature and animals. Jerry loved dining out at Rustic Oak and Royal Garden, where he enjoyed familiar flavors of home-style cooking or indulging in the exotic tastes of Chinese cuisine. Jerry enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Kansas City Chiefs football. Jerry treasured the times spent with his and Nancy's grandchildren giving them rides on his beloved horse, Jake. One of Jerry's proudest moments was winning first place in the Barry Apple Festival car show for his 1952 Chevy truck that he restored. Jerry enjoyed spending time with his friends and neighbors and will be missed by all who knew him. Jerry was Christian by faith. Pallbearers will be Mitchell Cantrell, Blake Howell, Andy Hudson, James Wisdom, Michael Rose, and Chase Shultz. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice in honor of Jerry.