Gerald E “Jerry” Clifton, Jr. passed away at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri on May 4, 2025. He was 64 years of age.
Jerry was born in Centralia on December 31, 1960, a son of Nina G. (nee Blake) and Gerald E. Clifton, Sr. He married Becky Wilkerson on May 4, 1985, and together they shared 40 years of happiness. In addition to his wife Becky, Jerry is also survived by his children, Curtis Clifton, and Nicole McCoy and husband Kyle, all of Centralia; his adoring grandchildren, Levi and Logann McCoy; two sisters, Kim Brodish and husband Bob of Menomonee Falls, WI and Cindy Demijan and husband Bob of Centralia; a sister-in-law, Rhonda Crumbey of Keyesport, IL; and several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Bruce and Loretah Wilkerson.
Although he was small in stature, Jerry’s personality was larger than life. He cherished time outdoors and loved nothing more than a quiet morning in the woods or a peaceful day on the water. Jerry also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, but more than anything, he loved being a grandpa, husband and father.
Jerry was a welder and mechanic. He was currently employed by Bayer Crop Science. He was Mr. Fix-It to many. And did a great job at “fixing”, or on the rare occasion he couldn’t, he knew a guy…
Visitation will be held at City Hope Church, 851 East 2nd Street, Centralia, IL, on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 3:00 – 4:00 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 4:00 PM at City Hope Church. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jerry are suggested to his grandchildren’s education and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
