Gerald “Jerry” Kent Pursell, 74, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away Thursday, May 6, 2021 at his home. Jerry attended and graduated from Oklahoma State University (Go Pokes) with his Engineering Degree. He also attended and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri with his MBA Degree. He also received his CPA Degree. Gerald worked as a Chemical Engineer for Monsanto for several years and he currently was self employed as a property real estate manager. Jerry was an avid movie buff. He enjoyed hiking and camping. He also experienced traveling the world. He was an amateur expert on the Georgia Native Azaleas and a Civil War enthusiast. Jerry loved his family.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. A Private Family Service will be held with Pastor Miguel Torneire officiating. Entombment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Pursell Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook Page.
He married Gloria May on July 25, 1970 and she survives in Georgia. In addition to his wife Gloria Pursell of Marietta, Georgia, he is also survived by his sister: Karen White of Dallas, Texas; brother-in-law: Don May and wife Marilyn of Centralia; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins; and life-long friends: Linda Sprehe in St. Louis, Missouri and Dick Bennett in Chicago, Illinois.
He was born October 24, 1946 in Eldorado, Kansas, the son of Walter Lee Pursell and Edith Lucille (Vogelman) Pursell. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters-in-law: Marilyn Erbes and husband William, Barbara Phillips and husband Jack, and Velma Laughhunn and husband Charles.
